The Gospel Project at Home: The Story of Ruth

Read Scripture

Read all or parts of book of Ruth from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

Preschool Bible Story Video

Elementary Bible Story Video

Talk About Scripture

Can you imagine what it would be like to go deep inside a cave with no flashlight? Spelunkers—people who explore caves—say it is one of the scariest places on Earth! The heavy darkness of an unlit cave is the ultimate example of what it means to feel alone and how scary that can be!  

When we read the story of Naomi, we see how she was experiencing loneliness and sadness. Her husband and sons had died, and she was in a strange land with just her two daughters-in-law. So, Naomi decided she would return to her home in Bethlehem, but she gave permission for the two younger women to return to their families in Moab. But Ruth said to Naomi, “Where you go, I will go...your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” So, the two women returned to Bethlehem together.  

Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi was also a decision to trust and follow the one true God. The love they had for one another and for God helped them to return to Bethlehem as a family. And God continued to add to that family through Boaz—who married Ruth and bought back the land Naomi’s family had lost. Through Ruth and Boaz, God had completely restored the inheritance and the family of Naomi. Not only that, but Ruth and Boaz had a son named Obed. When Obed grew up, he was the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David! God made Naomi’s family a part of Jesus’ family tree!  

Boaz cared for Ruth and Naomi. In a much greater way, Jesus is our Redeemer. Sin leaves people alone and separated from God, but Jesus died and rose again to pay for the sins of those who believe in Him and to make the way for them to be adopted into His family.  

Ruth was in great need and unable to provide for herself. God provided Boaz as her redeemer. We are in great need and unable to save ourselves from our sin. God provided Jesus as our Redeemer.                    

Pray: God, we praise You because Your plans are always great! You provided for Ruth and Naomi when they were in great need, and You have provided for us in our greatest need. Thank You for sending Jesus to take our punishment on the cross. Amen.

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Learn Scripture

Preschool Scripture Music Video

Elementary Scripture Music Video

Family Prayer

Mornings: Praise God for the friends who love you, help you, and encourage you to follow God. What qualities make a great friend? How are these people a gift from God to you?

Evenings: Thank God for your family. Thank Him for the ways they have protected and provided for you. Ask God to remind you of how Jesus has provided the forgiveness we need and how we are welcomed into His family when we trust in Him!

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Family Activities

For Fun: Do some research to discover more about your family lineage. Interview elderly relatives or use photo albums to introduce your kids to their heritage. Be sensitive to kids in your home who may be in foster or adoptive situations and those who may or may not have information on their biological family trees. Discuss the ways God has knit your family together. As you talk about your family, discuss the story of Ruth. Talk about what it means to be a part of God’s family and how Jesus has made that possible through His sacrifice.

To Serve: Make cards or treats for the widows in your local church. Talk with kids about how Jesus is our comfort in hard times and how everyone who believes in Him is welcomed into God’s family.

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