In this lesson, children learn that God takes care of us, even when we feel worried or unsure about tomorrow. This Ruth 3 Sunday school lesson is for children about ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God takes care of the people who trust Him, and He can use kind, brave choices to help others too. Ruth trusted God and Naomi, and God looked after both of them.
Memory Verse
Ruth 3:11
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)
Have the children stand tall with their hands on their hearts, then slowly open their arms wide like a hug. Say the words together while you move. Doing the motion each time you say the verse helps children remember it.
The Story: Ruth 3 for Kids
Naomi was an older woman who had lost her husband and her sons. She had a daughter-in-law named Ruth, who had stayed with her and loved her very much. Naomi wanted Ruth to have a safe home and a family to take care of her.
Naomi knew a good man named Boaz. He was a relative of their family, and he was working in his barley field that night. Naomi told Ruth to wash, put on her best clothes, and go quietly to the place where Boaz would be sleeping after his meal. Ruth said, “All that you say, I will do.”
Ruth went to the threshing floor and waited until Boaz lay down to sleep. Then she lay down at his feet. In the middle of the night, Boaz woke up and was surprised to find a woman there. He asked her, “Who are you?” Ruth answered that she was Ruth, his servant, and asked him to take care of her as a family member should.
Boaz was pleased with Ruth. He said that she had been kind and good, and that everyone in the town knew she was a worthy woman. He told her not to be afraid, and he promised to help her. He said there was another relative closer than he was, so he would first ask that man. If that man would not help, then Boaz would help her himself.
Before the sun came up, Ruth went home. Boaz gave her six measures of barley to take to Naomi, so they would both have food. When Ruth got home and told Naomi everything, Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know what will happen. The man will not rest until he has settled this today.”
Read It Together
Ruth 3:1-4
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. 4 It shall be, when he lies down, that you shall note the place where he is lying. Then you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lay down. Then he will tell you what to do.”
(WEB)
Point out that Naomi wanted good things for Ruth. Ask the children what kind of person they would want to help them if they were worried. Notice that Naomi made a plan and trusted God to guide it.
Ruth 3:9-10
9 He said, “Who are you?” She answered, “I am Ruth your servant. Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your servant; for you are a near kinsman.” 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.
(WEB)
Show the children that Ruth asked Boaz for help in a humble way. Explain that Boaz said God blessed Ruth because of her kindness. Remind them that God sees our kind choices.
Ruth 3:16-17
16 When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did it go, my daughter?” She told her all that the man had done for her. 17 She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley; for he said, ‘Don’t go empty to your mother-in-law.’”
(WEB)
Point out that Ruth went home with a gift, and that Boaz cared about Naomi too. Talk about how God often takes care of us through the kindness of other people.
Talk About It
- What did Ruth do to show she loved Naomi?
- How do you think Ruth felt when she first went to the threshing floor?
- What kind thing did Boaz do for Ruth and Naomi?
- When have you seen someone take care of you the way Boaz took care of Ruth?
- What is one way you can show kindness to someone in your family this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Barley Bundle Craft
You will need yellow or tan construction paper, scissors, glue, and a marker. Help each child cut a few long strips of paper and roll them into a small bundle. Tie a strip of paper around the middle to make a sheaf. Ask the children to draw a small face on the bundle and say what they would give to someone who needed help.
Follow the Feet Game
Clear a space in your room and place a blanket on the floor for “Boaz’s bed.” Have one child be Boaz and lie down while the others quietly tiptoe around the room. Let the children take turns being Ruth, creeping carefully to the “bed” without waking Boaz. Afterward, talk about how being quiet and careful can show respect.
Take-Home Kindness Jar
Give each child a small jar or cup and a few slips of paper. Ask them to write or draw one kind thing they did for someone at home and place it in the jar. Encourage the family to read the notes together at the end of the week. This reminds children that God helps us grow in kindness every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows God caring for two widows through faithful, careful action. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and Boaz’s generosity are both seen as part of God’s provision, and the chapter does not spell out every detail of God’s plan. It invites readers to trust God while still acting with wisdom and courage.
Avoid telling children that God will always give them exactly what they ask for, or that they should expect a happy ending whenever they do something good. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and kindness, and let children know that trusting God sometimes means waiting for Him to act.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for taking care of us, just as You took care of Ruth and Naomi. Help us trust You when we feel worried, and help us be kind to the people around us. Show us how to help others with a happy heart. Amen.
