In this lesson, children learn that God takes care of His people even when they cannot see what is coming next, and that He can be trusted to make things right. The lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of us, and we can trust Him to make things right, even when we feel worried or unsure.
Memory Verse
Ruth 3:18
Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know what will happen; for the man will not rest until he has settled this today.”
(WEB)
Teach children to clasp their hands together, then lift them slowly upward, as if they are handing a worry to God. Say the verse together while you lift your hands, and repeat the motion three times.
The Story: Ruth 3 for Kids
Ruth was a kind young woman who had moved to a new land with her mother-in-law, Naomi. The two of them had very little, and Naomi wanted to help Ruth find a safe home and a husband who would care for her. Naomi knew a good man named Boaz, who was a relative of their family.
One evening, Naomi told Ruth to get ready and go to the threshing floor, where Boaz was working late with the barley. She told Ruth to wait until he had finished his supper and was resting. Then Ruth should quietly lie down near his feet and wait for him to tell her what to do. Ruth said, “I will do all that you say.”
In the middle of the night, Boaz woke up and found a woman lying at his feet. He asked her who she was, and Ruth answered that she was his servant and asked him to protect her, because he was a close relative who could help her. Boaz was kind. He told Ruth that she had been very good, and he promised that he would do what was right for her.
Boaz explained that there was another relative who had a stronger claim to help Ruth. He told her to stay until morning, and he promised that he would settle the matter. Ruth stayed quietly until dawn, and then she went home before anyone could see her.
When Ruth returned, Naomi asked how things had gone. Ruth told her everything, and she showed her the barley that Boaz had given her. Naomi said, “Wait and see, for the man will not rest until he has settled this today.”
Read It Together
Ruth 3:1-3
1 Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor. 3 Therefore wash yourself, anoint yourself, get dressed, and go down to the threshing floor, but don’t make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
(WEB)
Point out that Naomi cared about Ruth’s future and wanted her to be safe and happy. Ask children what good things they think Naomi was hoping for, and why it matters that someone loves us enough to plan for our good.
Ruth 3:10-11
10 He said, “You are blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, because you didn’t follow young men, whether poor or rich. 11 Now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people knows that you are a worthy woman.
(WEB)
Show children that Boaz noticed Ruth’s kindness and called her a worthy woman. Explain that people notice when we do good things, and that God sees our kindness even when nobody else does.
Ruth 3:13
Stay this night, and in the morning, if he will perform for you the part of a kinsman, good. Let him do the kinsman’s duty. But if he will not do the duty of a kinsman for you, then I will do the duty of a kinsman for you, as the LORD lives. Lie down until the morning.”
(WEB)
Point out that Boaz was careful to do the right thing and promised to take care of the matter. Remind children that God is faithful and keeps His promises, even when we have to wait for the answer.
Talk About It
- What do you think Ruth felt when she went to the threshing floor in the dark?
- How did Naomi help Ruth, and how can someone in your family help you when you feel unsure?
- Why do you think Boaz was kind to Ruth instead of sending her away?
- What is one thing you can do this week to show kindness to someone who needs help?
- When you have to wait for something important, how can you remember that God is still taking care of you?
Activity Ideas
Barley Field Collage
You will need paper, glue, dried beans or rice, and crayons or markers. Ask children to draw a simple picture of a threshing floor with a path leading toward it. Let them glue a few dried beans or rice onto the picture to look like grain. Talk about how Ruth walked carefully and trusted Naomi’s plan as they work.
Follow the Leader Trust Walk
Clear a small space in the room and set a few chairs or pillows as obstacles. Have one child close their eyes while a partner gently guides them with a verbal direction, such as “step forward” or “stop here.” Afterward, explain that Ruth had to trust Naomi’s instructions even when she could not see every step ahead, and that God guides us in the same way.
Thank You Card for Someone Who Helps
Give each child a piece of folded paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask them to think of someone who has helped them this week, such as a parent, friend, or teacher. Have them draw a small picture and write or dictate a short thank you note. Encourage children to deliver the card at home or at school as a way of showing kindness, just as Boaz showed kindness to Ruth.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Ruth 3 shows that God works through ordinary people and ordinary acts of faithfulness, such as Naomi’s planning, Ruth’s obedience, and Boaz’s willingness to do what is right. The chapter points to God’s care for vulnerable people and His faithfulness to keep His promises, even when the outcome is not yet clear.
With children, avoid suggesting that God will always give us exactly what we want when we obey Him. Focus instead on the truth that God is trustworthy and cares for us, and that our waiting and obedience are part of His good plan.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank You for taking care of us every day. Help us trust You when we do not know what will happen next. Teach us to be kind like Ruth and Boaz, and help us remember that You are faithful and good. Amen.
