Confirmation Lesson
Ruth
Opening Prayer
Dim the lights in your room and close their eyes. Think about your family. This can be your parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents, or others in your extended families. Reflect on the experiences you have had with those people in the past week. Have the experiences been mostly positive or negative? Take a few moments of reflective silence before praying this prayer or something similar.

Gracious God, we give you thanks for the gift of family. Thank you for the people in our lives who are loyal to us and give us support and encouragement. Be with us as we learn how to follow the example of your servant Ruth, in order to be loyal and faithful members of our families. Open our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds to what you will teach us. Amen.
"I Will Be Here"
Listen to this song “I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman from Greatest Hits (Sparrow Records, 1997).

The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of steadfast commitment and love between two humans. This relationship is a great example for us, even today, in how we are to be faithful to one another. This song by Steven Curtis Chapman tells of a deep promise of faithfulness to another person.
• Where do you see commitments like this around you?
• Why do you think it is important to hear stories about commitments between two
humans in the Bible?
• When have you acted out of loyalty and love for someone else?
Where today's story takes place...
Ruth was from Moab, and the people of Moab were major enemies of Israel. Find Bethlehem on the map. Ruth and Naomi would have traveled north from Moab around the Dead Sea to get to Bethlehem, a trip of about 50 miles/80 kilometers.
Ruth 1

Read Ruth 1. Notice the notes pictured here. Feel free to make the same notes in your Bible.

Ruth 1:16-17 is a particularly important section because, in these verses, Ruth is accepting a new faith and a new cultural identity. A statement such as this was almost unheard of at the time and would be very uncommon today.

• Why did Naomi feel so desperate after her sons died?
• Have you felt this bitter or known someone who has?
• What causes those feelings?
Then what?
What happens when Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem? Here enters Boaz...

• Why did Boaz choose to treat Ruth, a foreigner, with such kindness (Ruth 2:10-13)? Circle Ruth 2:10-13. Write "God calls us to be inclusive" next to the verses. What a great reminder!
• What can you do to be more inclusive of people you know from different cultures?

Ruth 4:14-15
Underline or highlight these verses. These verses are so significant in light of Naomi and Ruth’s journey. Ruth, who was not considered to be one of “God’s chosen people,” is now a part of the genealogy of David (and Jesus).

• What was the mood at the end of the story?
• How did Naomi show her gratitude at the birth of her grandson?
• How was Naomi’s grandson, Obed, a blessing to all of Israel?
Let's Connect This!
Turn to Matthew 1:1-17 in the New Testament. Matthew is the first book in the New Testament and the first of the four Gospels.

What names do you recognize in this list that we've talked about so far? Underline them.
Did you look at the end of chapter 1? That's where we're headed! This is Jesus' family tree! How cool is that?!
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, you can email Leisha at ltays@oursaviourslc.org