🎧 Listen to Jordan & Quinn while you read the lesson
Find a few helpful insights on Boaz’s kindness and Ruth’s hard work in the harvest fields. Jordan and Quinn discuss how to teach kids about God’s providence and our Great Redeemer, while offering practical tips for the Harvest Basket craft and the Jesus connection to help your students see God's hand in every "just happened" moment of life.
Boaz Helps Ruth: A Story of God's Kindness
Ruth 2
A Story of God's Kindness and Provision
Last time, we learned how Ruth stayed loyal to Naomi and moved to a brand new land called Bethlehem. Once they arrived, Ruth and Naomi realized they were very poor and needed food. Ruth decided to go out into the fields to pick up the leftover grain that the harvesters dropped. This was hard work under the hot sun, but Ruth wanted to take care of Naomi. It just so happened that Ruth ended up in a field belonging to a man named Boaz, who was a wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband. When Boaz came to check on his workers, he noticed Ruth and asked who she was. His workers told him how hard she had been working since early morning.
Boaz went to speak to Ruth and told her not to go to any other field. He promised to keep her safe and told her to drink from his water jars whenever she was thirsty. Ruth was so surprised by his kindness that she bowed down and asked why he was being so nice to a foreigner. Boaz told her that he had heard all about how she left her home to care for Naomi. He prayed that the Lord, the God of Israel, would reward her for her faithfulness. Boaz even told his workers to purposely drop extra grain for her to find!
When Ruth returned home, Naomi was amazed at how much grain she had gathered. When Naomi heard it was Boaz who helped her, she praised God because Boaz was a "kinsman redeemer," a close relative who could protect and provide for them. This was part of God's plan to take care of Ruth and Naomi in their time of need.
Next time, we will see how Naomi comes up with a bold plan to find Ruth a permanent home and a family of her own.
A Curious Question
Ruth thought she "just happened" to end up in Boaz's field, but we know God was leading her. I wonder, can you think of a time when something "just happened" to you that turned out to be a blessing from God?
Jesus Connection
In this story, Boaz acts as a redeemer, someone who uses his own wealth and power to save and protect someone in need. This points us directly to Jesus Christ, our Great Redeemer. Just as Boaz showed kindness to a foreigner who had nothing, Jesus offers us salvation and God's promises even though we could never earn them. He provides for our needs and welcomes us into His family forever.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Ruth chose to work so hard in the fields instead of just waiting for someone to bring her food?
- Boaz noticed Ruth because of her reputation for being kind. What are some ways people can see God's love through your actions?
- How did Boaz show that he was a generous man instead of a selfish one?
- Naomi was very sad in the last chapter, but now she is praising God. How does seeing God provide change our mood?
“So What” What Can I do?
- When I see someone new at school or church, how can I be like Boaz and make them feel welcome?
- What is one "extra" thing I can do this week to help my family, just like Ruth helped Naomi?
- How can I remember to thank God when "good things" happen, recognizing it is His hand at work?
Memorize God's Word
"The Lord be with you!" - Ruth 2:4
Hand Motions:
- The Lord: Point both hands toward the sky.
- be with: Fold your hands together or give yourself a hug.
- you!: Point forward toward your friends.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for being our Great Redeemer. Thank You for the way You provide for us even when we don't realize You are working. Please help us to be hard workers like Ruth and kind, generous people like Boaz. Help us to see the needs of others this week. Amen.
Craft: The Harvest Basket
Instructions:
- Cut a paper plate in half. Decorate the curved side with brown markers to look like a woven basket.
- Staple the two halves together along the curved edge to create a pouch.
- Cut "grain" shapes out of yellow construction paper (long ovals).
- On each piece of grain, write one thing God has provided for you (family, food, Jesus, etc.).
- Place the grain pieces into your basket to remember how Boaz shared with Ruth and how God provides for us.
Effective Teaching Techniques
- Object Lesson: Bring a handful of wheat or stalks of dried grass to show the kids what Ruth was actually picking up. It helps them visualize the physical labor involved.
- Emphasis: When reading the story, emphasize the phrase "as it turned out" or "she happened to." Ask the kids if they think it was luck or God's sovereignty.
- Class Management: If the kids get restless during the craft, have them "glean" their yellow paper scraps off the floor as a game to see who can clean up their area the fastest.