Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (2 minutes)

Welcome back for the last lesson of our Superbook adventure, “Ruth.” If you were here for one of our first two lessons, here’s a question for you. What did Boaz buy from Naomi? The land that Naomi’s husband left her when he died.

Yes, Boaz bought back the land. Because he did this, Boaz was called a redeemer. To redeem means to buy something back. Did you know that we have a Redeemer, too? Yes, Jesus is our Redeemer because He saved us from the power of sin and death. We will soon find out more about that. Now let’s worship our Redeemer with all of our hearts as we stand and sing The Salvation Poem.

Play Video 7:(Song) The Salvation Poem (3 minutes)

The Salvation Poem

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Our SuperTruth for today is: “God redeems me.” I would like everyone in grades 1–3 to shout it as loud as you can on the count of three: one, two, three! Grades 1–3 shout the SuperTruth.

That was great! Grades 4–6, do you think you can say it louder? Let’s see! On the count of three: one, two, three! Grades 4–6 shout the SuperTruth.

That was really loud! Now let’s all shout it together: one, two, three! All grades shout the SuperTruth.

What does redeem mean? To buy or purchase something back.

We were held captive by the power of sin, but Jesus bought us back and redeemed us. How? He died on the cross and paid the price for our sins.

Because He redeems us and rescues us, we are free! We are free from sin and free to serve Him!

Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)

If most or all children watched the Bible story video in a previous lesson, omit it here and go straight to the SuperVerse.

If you saw the full Superbook video in Lesson 1, you’ll remember that Chris was faced with a very difficult choice. What did he have to decide? He could go to the lake with Joy and her family for a fun weekend; or he could help his great aunt do chores around her house.

Yes, that’s when Superbook took Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet Ruth. For those of you who haven’t seen our Bible story yet, we are going to watch a short version now. After you see the video, I think you’ll know what Chris decided to do! And if you’ve already seen it, look for ways that Ruth was faithful to Naomi.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (9.5 minutes)

Condensed Bible Story

Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet Ruth, a young widow from Moab. The children see how she gives up everything to care for her mother-in-law, Naomi—and how God provides for both of them through the kindness of Boaz.

Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic 3

Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat verse.

SuperVerse Graphic 3

SuperVerse (2 minutes)

Our SuperVerse, Psalm 103:4, says:

He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

Let’s say the SuperVerse together.

When God redeems us from sin and death, He doesn’t stop there! He crowns us with His love and tender mercy. If you are wearing a crown, will other people notice?

When God crowns us with His love and mercy, others can see God’s blessing on our lives. His love and mercy will flow out of our lives and bless other people, too! 

Let’s say the SuperVerse together again.

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. Younger children may not be able to memorize the entire SuperVerse. They may simply repeat it several times, while older children may memorize part or all of it. Be sure all children understand its meaning.

Introduce Signposts Video (1 minute)

Let’s watch our Signposts Video to see how the story of Ruth points to Jesus.         

Play Video 6: Signposts Video (4.5 minutes)

Signposts Video

Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)

Let’s pray before we move to Small Groups.

Dear God, thank You for redeeming us. Because we are free from the bondage of sin, we can have joy, peace and love in our lives. Help us share these blessings with others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Today, in Small Group, we are going to play a game called Crown Relay. God redeems us and crowns us with love and mercy. Let’s find out how to play!   

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.

Game

What are some ways that Ruth was faithful to Naomi?   

God blessed Ruth and Naomi through Boaz, who redeemed them and provided for them. God is our Redeemer—He rescues us from death and crowns us with love and mercy.

Let’s say our SuperVerse together: Psalm 103:4:  

 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

Divide the class into two equal teams—Team Love and Team Mercy.

Then, divide each team into two equal sections.

Have the two sections of Team Love stand at two marks across from each other, and the two sections of Team Mercy stand at the other two lines across from each other.

Hold up a crown and show the children the words on each side. Explain that it represents God’s love and mercy upon our lives.

Give a crown to one player on Team Love and one player on Team Mercy.

When you say “Go,” the players balance the crowns on their heads and walk to their team members on the opposite side of the room.

They should walk as quickly as possible and may need to swerve to avoid other players.

If a crown falls off, the player must stop and put it on again before proceeding.

Upon reaching the other side, the player gives the crown to the next team member.

Repeat the process until all players have had a turn.

Do not declare a winner.

Did you enjoy that game? God is full of love and mercy—so there are no losers in this game! When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are all winners, all the time! God redeems us and crowns us with His love and mercy as we go throughout our lives.

Teaching

Have three children select one of the three Signpost cards in order and read it aloud, then discuss the information below. Additional material is included for Grades 4–6 to look up and discuss.

Let’s discuss the Signposts video about Ruth. Her story points us to Jesus in many ways.

Signpost 1: Lost and Empty Image of empty cup

Does anyone know the first book of the New Testament? Matthew.

The very first book is Matthew, and the very beginning of Matthew gives a list of Jesus’ relatives going back many centuries. Guess who is listed in the book of Matthew as one of Jesus’ relatives? Ruth.

Yes, Ruth was the great-grandmother of David, the King of Israel. It’s amazing to think that a poor young widow from Moab is listed in the Bible as an ancestor of Jesus! The story of Ruth is a great example of how Jesus redeems us.

Naomi, her husband and her two sons left their home in Bethlehem during a terrible famine, when there wasn’t enough to eat. They moved to Moab—and then her husband and sons died. How terribly sad! That’s why Naomi wanted to be called Mara, which means bitter. She felt completely empty.                              

Life isn’t always happy and easy. There may be times when we feel like Naomi—hurt, sad, lost, and empty. But is that the end of the story? No.

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Ruth 4:21b–22:

^21b Boaz was the father of Obed. ²² Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of David.

Ruth 1:21:

“I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?"

Isaiah 53:6:

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the sins of us all.

Signpost 2: Redeemed and Restored  Image of cup turned right side up

God had a wonderful plan for Naomi and Ruth. In Bethlehem, there was a redeemer who would restore them and fill them both with joy. Boaz was their redeemer! He bought Naomi’s property, married Ruth, and provided for them. He rescued them from their hopelessness. God redeems us through His Son Jesus, who paid the price for our sins and purchased our freedom from sin and death by bleeding and dying on the cross.

In our story today, Ruth was surprised that Boaz noticed her and showed her kindness when she was a foreigner. Isn’t it amazing that God, the Creator of heaven and Earth, takes notice of us? He showed His love by sending His Son to redeem us even while we were sinners! 

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Psalm 34:22:

But the Lord will redeem those who serve Him. No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned.

Isaiah 43:14:

This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Psalm 8:4 (cev):

Then I ask, “Why do You care about us humans? Why are You concerned for us weaklings?”

Romans 5:6–8:

⁶ When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. ⁷ Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. ⁸ But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Signpost 3: Adopted and Filled Image of filled cup

Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer—a close relative who stepped in to save Ruth and Naomi. God is our Father in heaven, and we become part of His family when we ask Jesus to be our Savior! God chose to adopt us into His family through our Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus! He came down from heaven to save us and bring us into a wonderful relationship with God our Father. Jesus waits to redeem us. All we must do is believe in our hearts and ask Him to be our Savior. We confess our sins and ask Him to forgive us, to come into our hearts, and to be our Lord. He fills us with hope and replaces our emptiness with good things! 

Boaz boldly spoke to the elders of the city about his intentions to redeem Naomi and Ruth. Today, Jesus speaks boldly on our behalf before God’s throne. He is our Advocate, our Counselor, and our Redeemer. Through Him, our lives overflow with blessings!

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Romans 10:9–10:  

⁹ If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

Ephesians 1:5:

God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.

Psalm 103:4–5a:

⁴ He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. ⁵ He fills my life with good things.

Ephesians 1:3:

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

1 John 2:1:

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the One who is truly righteous.

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give a Gizmo Snow Cone Machine Pattern to children who were not present for the previous lessons and explain how to make it at home. Display the model you made.

Our Snow Cone Challenge last time was to learn Hebrews 13:16. Can anyone say it by heart?

And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Why do you think that the verse calls sharing a sacrifice?

Did you remember to pray and ask God to help you share your blessings with someone?

What happened when you prayed?

God has set us free from sin and death to serve Him. Our third Snow Cone says, “I will tell others about my Redeemer. Look up and learn Psalm 107:2.” Our challenge is to tell someone else that God has redeemed you—how He has set you free to love and serve Him.

Also, let’s learn Psalm 107:2:

Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others He has redeemed you from your enemies.

As you pray until our next lesson, thank Jesus for redeeming you and setting you free, then ask Him to show you someone you can share the Good News with!

SuperVerse

In Large Group, we discussed how the word “redeem” means to buy or purchase back. God purchased us back from the bondage of sin and set us free to live for Him. The SuperVerse tells us that God not only redeems us from sin, He also redeems us from death. There is a connection between sin and death.

The beginning of Romans 6:23 says:

For the wages of sin is death.

A wage is money paid to someone for performing labor or a service—like a paycheck. The paycheck we receive for sinning is death! That’s not good news for us because the Bible says we all have sinned!

But wait—there is more to Romans 6:23:

But the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now that is good news! God redeems us from sin before it leads to death! He gives us the gift of eternal life through Jesus! Now, let’s do an activity to learn our SuperVerse.   

Have the class read the SuperVerse on the board together once or twice, then erase it.

Choose six children to stand side by side in front of the class.

Give one sheet to each of the six children.

Starting on the far left from the class’s perspective, have the six children create a “wave” by holding up and reading aloud their individual phrases and lowering their papers when done.

The phrases should be out of order

Ask if that sounded like the correct verse. The answer will be no! 

Ask the rest of the class to tell you which reader should be first, second, third, etc.

Rearrange the six children in that order and have them read their phrases again, creating a “wave” with their papers.

Ask the rest of the class if the verse is now correct.

If not, have the class rearrange the readers again until the phrases of the verse are in the proper order.

Finally, have the entire class follow the “wave” to say the verse together two or three times, going faster each time.

Note: Younger children may not be able to memorize the entire SuperVerse. They may simply repeat it several times, while older children may memorize part or all of it. Be sure all children understand its meaning.

Prayer

Sit in a circle with the children. Read Psalm 107:1–2: 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others He has redeemed you from your enemies.

God chose to redeem us not because we are good—but because He is good! His love is faithful and lasts forever. If you have asked Jesus into your heart, you are redeemed! If you have not, and would like to, you can do so during our prayer time. Have children bow their heads and close their eyes. 

If anyone would like to ask Jesus to come into your heart today, you can right now. Simply quietly or silently repeat my prayer. Pause after each statement to allow time for children to pray:

Dear Jesus,

I believe that You are God’s Son. 

I believe You died on the cross for my sins,

And You rose again from the dead

To set me free from the power of death.

Please forgive me for all of my sins.

Come live in my heart,

And be my Lord and Savior today.

Thank You for saving and redeeming me today!

If you prayed that prayer with me, congratulations! You are redeemed and have received the gift of eternal life! 

Psalm 107:2 says that if you have been redeemed, speak out! Remember our Snow Cone Challenge is to tell someone that God has redeemed you! Let’s pray about that right now.          

Dear God, You love us so much that You sent Your only Son to die for us to redeem us from sin and death. Help us to share this good news with others so they can experience Your love and freedom, too. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Object Lesson

Read Ruth 1:16–18:

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.

Select four volunteers. Have one volunteer hold the “world” card and stand several feet from you to your left side. Have another volunteer hold the “God” card and stand several feet from you on your right side. Have the other two volunteers stand with you in the middle: call one Orpah and one Ruth.

Naomi told Orpah and Ruth to return to their mother’s homes in Moab, where people didn’t worship the true God.

Have Orpah look back. Orpah looked back. Her old life in Moab looked better to her than moving to Bethlehem and serving the one true God. Have Orpah walk to the “world” card and stand.    

Ruth did not look back. She made a choice to stay with Naomi and with God even though they were sad and had lost everything. Ruth was committed to keep looking ahead to her future with God and Naomi. Have Ruth walk to the “God” card and stand.  

Boaz was a family redeemer and bought Naomi’s land. He provided for Ruth and Naomi. He married Ruth and they had a son who was an ancestor of Jesus!  The two women were set free from their emptiness and sorrow. They were filled with joy and lived a blessed life. Ruth was redeemed because she committed her life to serving Naomi and God—she did not look back!  

Walk to Orpah and stand beside the “world” card. To redeem means to buy or purchase something back. It was very costly for God to redeem us. He paid the price with Jesus’ death on the cross to bring us to Himself.

Walk to Ruth and stand beside the “God” card. God does not redeem us only to have us return to our old life again, like Orpah did. Jesus told a man in the Bible that anyone who chooses to look back is not fit for the kingdom of God! See Luke 9:62.

Paul said in Philippians 3:13:

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.

Paul said that He was not perfect as long as he was in the world. He would continue to look forward to what God had for him instead of what he left behind.

When we choose to follow Jesus, we will be tempted to disobey God’s Word. We will face pressure to be like others and to think and do as they do. At times it may look easier to return to things we did before we served God. But, like Ruth and Paul, we must choose to focus on what lies ahead and the blessings that await us!  

Perhaps if Orpah had known that God had a wonderful plan for her, she may have gone to Bethlehem with Naomi and Ruth. That’s why we want to tell others about what God has done for us—to encourage them to put their trust in Jesus, too!

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “God redeems me.”  

Scoop Game

Read Ruth 3:15–17:

Then Boaz said to her, “Bring your cloak and spread it out.” He measured six scoops of barley into the cloak and placed it on her back. Then he returned to the town. When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “What happened, my daughter?” Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”

Divide the children into two equal teams. One child may play twice if necessary.

Have the children line up beside the empty containers.

Choose an older child from each team to be Boaz, who will each stand beside a filled container and scoop the beans or dry material for the other children.

You will each be Ruth on your turn. First, place the towel on your shoulders, which represents the cloak Ruth wore. You will leave home, walk quickly to the other end of the room, and spread the towel out on the floor. Boaz will carefully place six scoops of grain into the middle of your towel. Carefully gather the ends of the towel and carry it home on your shoulder, then empty it into the container. If any grain is spilled, the player and teammates must pick up every piece and put it into the container. Each player will repeat this on their turn. The first team to do this—and get ALL of their grain into the container!—wins.

Option: To make the game easier, you may have Boaz place just one scoop of grain on each child’s towel. Children may gather the towel with the grain and carry it in front of them instead of placing it over their shoulders.

Conclusion: Ruth went to see Boaz on the threshing floor and carefully followed all of Naomi’s instructions. Boaz blessed Ruth and Naomi with six scoops of grain that Ruth did not have to glean in the hot sun! God also redeems us and places blessings in our lives when we follow His Word! 

Craft

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Psalm 103:4:

He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

When God redeems us, He also covers us with His love and tender mercies. God rescues us from sin and death and brings us back to Him. We then are free to serve Him and our lives are filled with His blessings! 

Give each child scissors and a crown pattern. Children will cut out their crown and connect it together with tape or staples. Assist children as needed.

Your crown can be a reminder that God has redeemed you and blesses your life! 

Bible Activity

Have the children work in pairs to look up the verses and find the answer to the questions. Try to pair skilled Bible users with visitors, children who are not as familiar with the Bible, or those with special needs. All answers are found in the book of Ruth. Allow the children 10 minutes to complete their sheets, then review the questions as a group and allow the teams to share their answers. 

Teacher’s Answer Key:

1. Elimelech—v.2  
2. People, gods—v.15
3. Mara, which means bitter—v.20
4. Foreigner—v.10
5. Summer, early summer—v.23
6. Redeemers—v.20
7. Around midnight—v.8
8. Six scoops—v.17
9. Sandal—v.7
10. Obed—v.17, Jesse—v.22