Ruth and Boaz's Bold Plan
(Ruth 3)
Last time, Ruth worked in the field of a kind man named Boaz, a relative who went out of his way to protect her. When she got home and Naomi saw all the grain she'd gathered, Naomi knew right away that God's hand was in it. She wanted Ruth to have a real home and a family of her own, so she came up with a bold plan. Wash up, she told Ruth. Put on your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor where Boaz was working. Back then, a threshing floor was a flat, hard patch of ground where farmers separated grain from the husks, often using the evening breeze to blow the light chaff away.
Naomi told Ruth to wait until Boaz had finished eating and lay down to sleep. Then, quietly, Ruth was to go and lie down at his feet. It sounds strange to us, but this was a way of asking Boaz to be her kinsman redeemer, a close relative with the right to step in and protect her family. Ruth did exactly what Naomi said. In the middle of the night, Boaz woke up startled to find someone lying at his feet. "I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer." In other words: take me under your protection.
Boaz was moved. Deeply. He saw Ruth's kindness and her desire to do right by her family, and he told her not to be afraid, because everyone in town already knew she was a woman of noble character. He promised to help her, but there was a catch: there was another relative even closer than Boaz who had the first right to step in. Boaz said he'd settle the matter first thing in the morning. Ruth went home to Naomi with more grain and a heart full of hope, trusting that God's plan was still unfolding.
Next time, we will find out if Boaz can truly become the hero who saves Ruth and Naomi's future.
A Curious Question
Ruth had to be very brave to go to the threshing floor and talk to Boaz in the dark. I wonder, has there ever been a time when you felt nervous about doing something you knew was right, but you did it anyway because you trusted God?
Jesus Connection
When Ruth asked Boaz to spread his garment over her, she was asking for his protection and a new life. This is a picture of the gospel. We all need a protector because we cannot save ourselves. Jesus Christ is our ultimate Redeemer who covers us with His righteousness and gives us a place in God's promises. Romans 3:21-31 tells us that God offers this righteousness freely to anyone who trusts in Jesus, not because we earned it, but because Jesus paid the price. Just as Boaz was willing to pay a price to help Ruth, Jesus paid the highest price by giving His life to bring us into His family.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Naomi told Ruth to put on her best clothes and wash up before going to see Boaz?
- How did Ruth show that she trusted Naomi's advice even though the plan seemed a little scary?
- Boaz called Ruth a "woman of noble character." What do you think that means?
- Why was Boaz so happy that Ruth came to him instead of looking for a younger husband?
"So What?" What Can I Do?
- How can I show "noble character" at home this week by being honest and helpful even when no one is watching?
- Is there something I am worried about right now? How can I take a "bold step of faith" and pray about it today?
- How can I encourage my friends to do what is right, just like Naomi encouraged Ruth?
Memorize God's Word
Ruth 3:11: "And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask."
Hand Motions:
- And now: Hold your hands out in front of you, palms up.
- don't be afraid: Place your hands over your heart and take a deep breath.
- I will do: Pound one fist into the palm of your other hand.
- all you ask: Fold your hands together as if praying.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for the story of Ruth and her brave faith. Thank You that You are always working behind the scenes to take care of us. Help us to be bold when we need to do the right thing, and help us to trust that You are our Great Protector. Thank You for Jesus, who redeems us. Amen.
Craft or Activity
The Threshing Floor Fan
Kids make a paper fan decorated with tossed grain to remember the threshing floor scene and how Ruth waited for the right moment to talk to Boaz.
Materials Checklist:
- Cut the shape: Cut a large circle or fan shape out of the cardstock.
- Draw the scene: On one side, draw a picture of the grain being tossed into the air at the threshing floor.
- Add the grain: Glue small bits of yellow paper or a bit of glitter to represent the "grain" being separated from the husks.
- Attach the handle: Tape or glue the craft stick to the bottom to create a handle for your fan.
- Wave and retell: Wave the fan to remember how the wind helped the workers and how Ruth waited for the right moment to talk to Boaz.
Effective Teaching Techniques
- Vocabulary Check: "Redeemer" and "Threshing Floor" are big words for kids. Use the craft time to reinforce that a redeemer is a "rescuer" and the threshing floor is where the "harvest work" happened.
- Safe Space: Since the story takes place at night, you can dim the lights in the classroom for a moment while telling the part where Ruth goes to Boaz to create a sense of mystery and focus.
- Prep Shortcut: Pre-cut the cardstock circles for the craft if you have younger elementary students to save time for the discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Naomi tell Ruth to go to the threshing floor at night?
- Naomi wanted Ruth to ask Boaz to be her kinsman redeemer, someone who would protect her and take care of her family. Going quietly at night, after the work was done, was the way this kind of request was made.
- What did Ruth mean when she asked Boaz to spread his garment over her?
- Spreading a garment over someone was a way of asking for protection and care. Ruth was asking Boaz to take her under his protection as her guardian redeemer.
- Why couldn't Boaz marry Ruth right away?
- There was another relative who was even closer in family line than Boaz, so he had the first right to redeem Ruth and Naomi. Boaz promised to settle the matter fairly, first thing the next morning.