The Story of Ruth (August 19th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ “Great Green Growing” Season  (green)

Story in Scripture: Ruth 1: 6-17

As we explored the story of Ruth on Sunday, we connected God’s story between the generations that preceded her and those that will come after. Ruth is King David’s Great Grandmother! This story focuses attention on the nomadic events of Ruth’s life with her mother-in-law Naomi after the death of her husband. She chooses to stay with Naomi, rather than return to her own people. Later, when they are gathering grain, Boaz sees Ruth and they eventually wed. A few generations later, David was born to Ruth’s grandson Jesse. It is quite engaging for children to realize that Ruth was Jesus’ ancestor. During the lesson, we ask the children to wonder about whether Ruth knew how special her marriage with Boaz would prove to be.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

(Note: These are the usual questions that are asked after Old Testament character studies.)

Now I wonder which part of the story you liked best?

I wonder what part is the most important?

I wonder what part is about you…. Or what part was especially for you?

I wonder what the story of Ruth and her family might be teaching you?

Prayer:

“Dear Lord, protect me from getting grouchy when things don’t happen the way I expect them to. Help me to think about your story and the ways that you are in control. I want things to happen the way you want them to happen. Thank you for all the ways that you care for my family and I everyday. Amen.”

Looking forward: In the weeks to come, we will be studying the appropriate ways that we enter into the sanctuary each Sunday. Later we will begin to learn about the early days of Jesus’ ministry and the miracles that he first performed.