The Story of Ruth
Scripture: Ruth 1:1-4:22
Theme: God’s love crosses every boundary
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
The Story of Ruth begins with a family in trouble. Naomi and her husband, Elimelek, move to a land where there is not enough food. Sadly, their two sons leave with other men, and soon they all pass away. When Naomi hears the news, she says she will return to her homeland and visit her family again. But her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, say they want to stay with her. Ruth says, “Don’t ask me to leave you! Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” Naomi is surprised and happy that Ruth wants to stay with her, even though she is a foreigner. God’s love is strong and can bring people together, no matter where they come from. Later, Ruth finds a kind woman named Boaz who helps her and Naomi. Boaz takes care of them and shows kindness by treating Ruth well. This shows us that God’s love goes beyond families and borders. Even when people feel lost or alone, like Ruth and Naomi, God can help them find safety and hope. Through Ruth’s story, we learn that God’s love is always there to protect and care for us, no matter what challenges we face. Just like Ruth chose to love and stay with Naomi, we can choose to show love and kindness to others, trusting that God will guide us.
Bible Story
Long, long ago in a land where the sun shone bright and the fields grew golden wheat, there was a family named Elimelk, Naomi, and their two children, Mahlon and Chilion. They were very happy at first, but one day, God’s kind love changed their lives. A big drought came, and the crops withered, so the family had to leave their home to find food. Their hearts were sad, but God told them, “I love you, and I will guide you.” So they packed their bags and walked far away.
When they arrived in a new town, Mahlon and Chilion got jobs, but they were sad because their hearts weren’t happy anymore. One day, Naomi said, “I don’t want to go on without you, but God will help you.” She suggested her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, stay with her. Ruth said, “No, Naomi! I want to go with you, even if it’s hard!” And Orpah left, but Ruth stayed tight, holding Naomi’s hand and saying, “I love you, and I’ll stay!” God smiled and said, “Good choice, Ruth!”
In this new place, the women worked hard in the fields, gathering barley and straw. Ruth loved the kindness of the kind woman Boaz, who helped her and told her, “God loves you, and you can trust Him.” One day, Boaz said, “I want to take care of you!” He gave her a special blessing and told her, “God will make this right for you.” Meanwhile, Naomi saw how much Boaz cared for Ruth and said, “God has given you a new family!” Soon, Boaz married Ruth, and they had a baby, Obed, who was so loved that God said, “This family will never forget you!”
* God was with Ruth all the way, through the hard times, the happy times, and even the tiny baby’s smile. He showed His love by making her family strong and full of joy. Even today, when we feel lost or lonely, we can remember: “God’s love is like Ruth’s loyalty, always there for us!”* And when we help others, we’re just like Boaz, who showed kindness to a stranger. That’s how God’s love grows in our hearts!
Activities
Supplies: smooth stones, paint, markers, clothespins, small cloth bags, story cards with pictures (e.g., a basket, a grain field, a new coat).
- Paint each stone a different color (e.g., one red for “Naomi’s tears,” green for “grain,” yellow for “coat”).
- Place a clothespin on each stone so kids can hang them on a string or bag.
- Show picture cards; have them pick a stone that matches (e.g., “Ruth carried a basket of grain”).
- Let them act it out with a partner: “Ruth stayed with Naomi” (hold hands) or “God blessed them” (hug).
- Sing a short verse: “God loves us like Ruth loved Naomi, so kind, so true!”
Supplies: scarves/blankets (for coats), small bags (for “grain”), crayons, paper, stickers (e.g., hearts, stars).
- Give each child a scarf to wear as a “coat” (tied around neck) and a small bag to hold “grain” (e.g., a handful of rice or cereal).
- Read: “Ruth gave Naomi a new coat. God gave them new love!”
- Let them draw their own “gift” (e.g., a hug, a smile) and stick it on paper to take home.
- Pair up: “Show your coat to a friend and share one kind thing you love about them!” (e.g., “I love your hair!”).
- Sing: “God’s love is big like a coat, wrap it around you today!”
Discussion Questions
- “Ruth held Naomi’s hand. Who holds you when you are sad?”
- “Ruth walked a long way. Where are you when you walk alone?”
- “Ruth shared her bread. What do you give your friend?”
- “Boaz gave Ruth a gift. Who helps you when you cry?”
- “Ruth found a new home. Where is your safe home?”
Prayer Focus
Dear Heavenly Father, Help children learn that Your love is so big and kind, it crosses oceans, mountains, and even differences, to protect and care for everyone. Show them how Ruth trusted You, even when she felt far from home, and remind them that Your love is always near! Amen.
Missions Spotlight
The Story of Ruth reminds us that God works through unlikely stories to bring salvation to the lost. Through her courage and faith, Ruth reached beyond her cultural and social boundaries, becoming an ancestor of kings and a model of loyalty and transformation, showing how love and obedience can bridge divides to reach the unreached.
To the Cross
“To the Cross” Just as Ruth trusted God even when things were hard, Jesus trusted God, even when He was betrayed, crucified, and raised again. His love for us shows us that no matter what, God keeps His promises and brings hope to all who trust in Him!
Family Take-Home
This lesson from Ruth 1:1-4:22 teaches how God’s love moves freely across e every boundary, whether cultural or social. Your child learned that God rem remains faithful to His promises, lifting individuals up even when life fee feels lost or hopeless. To discuss this in your home, ask, “How can God’s k kindness change your day if someone you don’t expect to help you?”