🎧 Listen to Jordan & Quinn while you read the lesson
Explore the power of God’s provision as Jordan and Quinn walk through the final chapter of Ruth. Find a few helpful insights on the "Official Deal" sandal craft and the city gate meeting, along with a deep look at the Jesus connection that reveals how God weaves our difficult seasons into a beautiful story of redemption through the family of Christ.
Boaz Redeems Ruth
(Ruth 4)
Last time, we left Ruth at the threshing floor after she asked Boaz for his protection. Early the next morning, Boaz went to the city gate, which was like the town hall where all the important decisions were made. He met with the other relative who was a closer family member than he was. In a very fair and honest way, Boaz explained that Naomi needed a kinsman redeemer to buy back her land and care for Ruth. The other man decided he couldn't do it, so he took off his sandal and handed it to Boaz. This was an old fashioned way of saying, "The deal is official!"
Boaz was so happy! He announced to all the elders and the people that he would buy the land and marry Ruth. The people cheered and prayed that God would bless their new family. It wasn't long before Boaz and Ruth had a baby boy named Obed. Remember how sad Naomi was when the story started? Now, she was a happy grandmother holding little Obed in her arms. The neighbors said, "Praise the Lord, who has not left you without a guardian-redeemer!"
This was all part of God's plan to turn a sad story into a beautiful one. But there is a secret at the end of the book of Ruth. Obed grew up to be the grandfather of King David! This means that Ruth, a girl from a different country who chose to follow God, became part of the family of the great King David. This shows us faithfulness is always rewarded. It is amazing to see how God can take a simple choice to be kind and turn it into a blessing that changes the whole world. Next time, we will begin a new series of lessons about the incredible life of Ruth's great grandson, David!
A Curious Question
The book of Ruth starts with a funeral and ends with a wedding and a baby. I wonder, why do you think God loves to turn "sad endings" into "new beginnings"?
Jesus Connection
This story is a perfect picture of Jesus Christ. Just like Boaz went to the city gate to pay the price to rescue Ruth, Jesus came to earth to pay the price for our salvation. Because Ruth was a foreigner, she had no right to the land, but Boaz brought her into his family anyway. In the same way, the gospel tells us that even though we are far from God because of our sin, Jesus redeems us and makes us children of God forever.
Discussion Questions
- Why was the sandal being passed from one person to another so important in this story?
- How did God show Naomi that He had never forgotten her, even during her hardest times?
- Ruth started as a "foreigner" but ended up in the family line of King David. What does that tell you about who God welcomes into His family?
- What are some ways we can see God "weaving" a beautiful story in our own lives today?
“So What” What Can I do?
- When things seem sad or difficult, how can I remind myself that God's story for me isn't over yet?
- Who is someone in my life like Naomi who might need to be cheered up with a kind word or a visit?
- How can I show "official" kindness this week, making sure I keep my promises just like Boaz did at the gate?
Memorize God's Word
"Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer." - Ruth 4:14
Hand Motions:
- Praise be: Lift your hands high toward the ceiling.
- to the Lord: Point both index fingers up.
- not left you: Shake your head "no" and then reach out to grab a friend's hand or your own.
- guardian-redeemer: Make a shield shape with your arms in front of your chest.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for happy endings and for Your great faithfulness. Thank You for bringing Ruth and Boaz together and for the gift of baby Obed. Most of all, thank You for sending Jesus to be our Redeemer so that we can be part of Your family forever. Help us to trust You with our whole story. Amen.
Craft: The "Official Deal" Sandal
Instructions:
- Trace your own foot (with your shoe on) onto the brown construction paper.
- Carefully cut out the footprint shape to make the "sole" of the sandal.
- Punch two holes near the top (the toe area) and two holes near the middle.
- Thread the yarn through the holes and tie it to look like sandal straps.
- On the bottom of the sandal, write "God is my Redeemer" or the memory verse.
- Use the sandal to retell the story of how Boaz made his promise official.
Effective Teaching Techniques
- The "Sandal" Moment: When you tell the part about the man taking off his sandal, actually take off your own shoe and hand it to a student. It always gets a laugh and makes the point very memorable!
- Genealogy Focus: Draw a simple family tree on the board: Ruth + Boaz -> Obed -> Jesse -> David -> -> -> JESUS. This helps kids see the big picture of the Bible.
- Emotional Range: Remind the kids how the book started in Chapter 1 (bitterness and hunger) compared to Chapter 4 (joy and plenty). God is the author of hope.