🎧 Listen to Jordan & Quinn while you read the lesson
Discover ways to teach kids about noble character and the brave steps Ruth took to follow Naomi's plan. Jordan and Quinn explore the unique setting of the threshing floor, offering fresh insights for the Threshing Floor Fan craft and a powerful Jesus connection that illustrates how our Great Redeemer covers us with His protection and love.
Ruth and Boaz's Bold Plan
(Ruth 3)
Last time, we saw how Ruth happened to work in the field of a kind man named Boaz, who went out of his way to protect her. Once they arrived home and Naomi saw all the grain, she realized that God was at work! Naomi wanted Ruth to have a permanent home and a family, so she came up with a bold plan. She told Ruth to wash up, put on her best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor where Boaz was working. In those days, a threshing floor was a flat, hard surface 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 went to sleep. Then, Ruth was to quietly go and lie down at his feet. This was a way of asking Boaz to be her kinsman redeemer, a special protector who would take care of her family. Ruth bravely followed the instructions. In the middle of the night, Boaz woke up and was startled to find someone at his feet! Ruth said, "I am your servant Ruth. Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer." This was a beautiful way of saying, "Please take me under your protection."
Boaz was deeply moved by Ruth's kindness and her desire to do what was right for her family. He told her not to be afraid because everyone in town knew she was a woman of noble character. He promised to help her, but there was one small problem, there was another relative even closer than Boaz who had the first right to help them. Boaz promised to settle the matter first thing in the morning. Ruth returned to Naomi with more grain and a heart full of hope, knowing that God's plan was 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. 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
"And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask." - Ruth 3:11
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: The Threshing Floor Fan
Instructions:
- Cut a large circle or fan shape out of the cardstock.
- On one side, draw a picture of the grain being tossed into the air at the threshing floor.
- Glue small bits of yellow paper or a tiny bit of glitter to represent the "grain" being separated from the husks.
- Tape or glue the craft stick to the bottom to create a handle for your fan.
- 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.