Boaz Helps Ruth: A Story of God's Kindness
Ruth 2
A Story of God's Kindness and Provision
Last time, Ruth stayed loyal to Naomi and moved with her to Bethlehem. Once they got there, the two of them were flat broke. No husband, no sons, no income, just two widows trying to figure out how to eat. So Ruth did the only thing she could think of. She went out to the fields to gather up the leftover grain the harvesters left behind. It was backbreaking work in the hot sun, but Ruth wasn't going to sit around while Naomi went hungry. The field she wound up working in belonged to a man named Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband. When Boaz walked out to check on his workers that day, he noticed her right away and asked who she was. His men told him she'd been out there working since sunrise, barely stopping to rest.
Boaz went over and spoke to Ruth directly. Stay in my field, he told her. Don't go anywhere else. He promised to keep her safe and told her she could drink from his water jars whenever she got thirsty. Ruth was stunned by his kindness. She bowed down and asked him why he'd be so good to a foreigner like her. Boaz's answer was simple: he'd already heard everything, how she'd left her own home to take care of Naomi. He prayed that the Lord, the God of Israel, would reward her for that kind of faithfulness. Then he went a step further and quietly told his workers to drop extra grain on purpose, just so she'd have more to find.
When Ruth got home that evening, Naomi could hardly believe how much grain she'd brought back. And when she found out it was Boaz who'd helped her, Naomi praised God right there on the spot. Boaz, she explained, was a "kinsman redeemer," a close relative with the right to step in and provide for them. None of this was an accident. It was God's plan, quietly at work, taking care of two women who had nothing left to lose.
Next time, Naomi comes up with a bold plan to give 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. Titus 2 tells us that Jesus gave himself to redeem us and make us his very own people, the same way Boaz stepped in to protect and provide for Ruth. 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
Ruth 2:4: "The Lord be with you!"
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 or Activity
The Harvest Basket
Kids make a woven paper basket filled with grain pieces to remember how Boaz shared with Ruth and how God provides for us.
Materials Checklist:
- Shape the basket: Cut a paper plate in half. Decorate the curved side with brown markers to look like a woven basket.
- Staple it together: Staple the two halves together along the curved edge to create a pouch.
- Cut the grain: Cut "grain" shapes out of yellow construction paper, long ovals work well.
- Write it down: On each piece of grain, write one thing God has provided for you, like family, food, or Jesus.
- Fill the basket: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Ruth go pick up leftover grain instead of buying food?
- Ruth and Naomi were poor and had no money for food. God's law let poor people gather the leftover grain from the edges of the fields after the workers had harvested, so Ruth went out to gather what she could.
- Why was Boaz so kind to Ruth when he didn't even know her?
- Boaz had already heard how Ruth left her own home and family to take care of Naomi. He wanted to reward her for her kindness and faithfulness, so he told his workers to protect her and even leave extra grain for her.
- What did Naomi mean when she called Boaz a "kinsman redeemer"?
- A kinsman redeemer was a close relative who had the right and responsibility to protect and provide for family members in need. Naomi knew Boaz was a relative who could help take care of them.