There was a famine in Bethlehem, and there was little food. So Naomi, her husband and two sons moved to Moab. Both of Naomi’s sons married Moabite women, and they all lived together. One of her sons married a woman named Ruth.

Then something sad happened. Naomi’s husband and two sons died. Now there were three women alone: Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah (Ruth's sister-in-law).

Naomi decided to return to her homeland of Bethlehem. She told Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands from their own people. Orpah agreed and stayed, but Ruth refused to leave Naomi. Ruth spoke these famous words: "Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God."

Ruth and Naomi traveled to Bethlehem together. They arrived poor and hungry during the barley harvest. To survive, Ruth went to the fields to gather leftover grain. God’s law allowed poor people to collect grain that harvesters dropped or left behind.

Ruth happened to work in a field owned by Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi’s husband. Boaz noticed Ruth and learned about her loyalty to Naomi. He was impressed by her character and kindness. He made sure she could gather plenty of grain safely and invited her to eat with his workers.

Eventually, Boaz married Ruth. They had a son named Obed. Obed became the grandfather of King David. Ruth became part of the family line of Jesus Christ. This is special because Ruth was not a descendant of the patriarch Abraham.

Discussion Questions
1. The story of Ruth is called a love story.
Who did Ruth love?

2. Naomi’s family moved to Moab to escape the famine.
When you moved to the USA, what was your situation? What were you hoping for?

3. Ruth chose to stay with Naomi, even when life was hard.
Have you ever stayed with someone during a difficult time? Why was it hard?

4. Ruth arrived in Bethlehem poor and needed help from others.
When you first came to the USA, what kind of help did you need?

5. Ruth chose to trust Naomi’s God.
When life feels uncertain, what helps you trust God today?