Key Verse
“As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 47:4
Read the Key Verse with your class. Ask your students if they know what a “redeemer” is.
redeemer: basically means that of buying something back.
After you help them understand the word “redeemer”, explain to them that Jesus (the Lord of hosts) is our redeemer. He bought every one who belongs to him with his blood on the cross (I Peter 1:18-19: “18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” and Ephesians 1:7: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”) We have learned that we all deserve the punishment of death (because of sin.) Jesus paid the penalty, for those who believe, and died in their place which “bought” us back. We will see a picture of redemption (buying something back) in the book of Ruth today.
Summary: During the book of Judges we saw how the nation as a whole had rejected God as their king. Last week we noticed a couple, Samson’s parents, who heard from God and responded to God’s call. We saw that God did what He had promised in their lives. The book of Ruth takes place during the time of Judges. This book, too, shows us there were people (although few) who still believed God and allowed Him to rule in their lives.
Because of the turmoil and terrible times during the time of the Judges, Ruth is a breath of fresh air. The book of Ruth is a picture of redemption. She was a gentile (a Moabitess) who was living in a pagan land. She did not know the true God. When an Israelite family moved to Moab (because of a drought in Israel), she married into this family and heard of God. When her husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law died, she returned with her mother-in-law to the land of Israel. Her view is clearly stated in Ruth 1:16-17: “16. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” It was there, after being redeemed by a kinsman, that she forever became a part of Jesus’ genealogy. She was the great-grandmother of King David.
Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!
Emphasis: To know Jesus is our redeemer, and that He bought us, if we will believe in Him. Then, we should live as a light in this dark world so others can know Him.
Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:
Lesson 31 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1
Lesson 31 – Volume 1 Reinforcement Worksheet 1
Lesson 31 – Volume 1 Reinforcement Worksheet 2
Ideas for children:
Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.). I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash! Pinterest always has great ideas!
You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.
One idea for today’s lesson: (See picture below). For today’s lesson we made hanging verse. We took a copy of the verse Ruth 1:16-17 and glued it to construction paper. We discussed just what that verse meant, and how important of a decision it was to Ruth. We also had a coloring sheet.
Mural idea:
Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.
By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives. Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural. Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.
Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall. Encourage everyone to participate.
