Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 31 “Ruth in the Land of Judah”

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 Ruth 1-2

Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem of Judea during the spring at the beginning of the barley harvest. Naomi was well known in Bethlehem and when the people saw that Naomi had returned they were excited! Naomi told them that she was mourning. She no longer had a husband to take care of her. But, she had Ruth! God has a statute that allows the poor to gather produce that the reapers leave in the fields during harvest time. Ruth decided that she would glean in the fields to support her mother-in-law. Gleaning was very hard work  but each day Ruth walked to the fields where she toiled from sunrise to sunset gathering what the reapers had left. Ruth worked very hard to take care of Naomi, and people began to notice.

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem during the barley harvest. The wavesheaf offering during the Days of Unleavened Bread marked the beginning of the barley harvest which always occurs in the spring (Leviticus 23:10–14).
  • God’s law includes statutes to provide for the needs of the poor, yet the poor are still expected to work. How is this different than the way different governments take care of the poor people today? 
  • What are some of the ways Ruth displayed diligence?

Memory Challenge: 

Ruth 1:22  

So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 30 “Joseph the Dreamer”

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Featured Passage: Genesis 37

Joseph was the first son of his mother Rachel, but he had ten older brothers. He was his father’s favorite son, and to make matters worse, Jacob gave Joseph a very special coat, with many different colors. Jacob often sent Joseph to check on his brothers to see how things were going with the flocks of animals, creating animosity between him and them. Then, Joseph began to have dreams he would one day rule over his brothers. He told his father and his brothers about the dreams. Over time, they came to resent and hate him, to the point that they were willing to kill him. 

Discuss:

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  • Jacob grew up in a home where his parents had a favorite child. What might be a problem with a parent showing favoritism to one of their children? Does God show favoritism?. 
  • Why do you think Joseph told his brothers about his dreams? 
  • What action did his brothers take to get rid of Joseph?
  • The older brothers did not seem to think about the great harm that their family would suffer as a result of their actions.What were some of the consequences of their decision? Why is it important to control your emotions and think before acting?
  • It is often difficult to be a younger brother or sister. What can older brothers and sisters do to help younger brothers and sisters feel a part of the family?

Memorization Challenge:

Genesis 37:3-4  

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 1: Lesson 30 “Isaac and Rebekah”

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Featured Passage: Genesis 21-25

When Abraham was 100 years old, God fulfilled His promise and gave him a son. Amazingly, Sarah was 90 years old! Abraham and Sarah watched and guided Isaac as he grew. As God worked with Abraham, Isaac saw first-hand his father’s example of faithfulness and obedience. Once Isaac was grown, God brought him a beautiful wife from among his relatives. Her name was Rebekah. God blessed Isaac and Rebekah with a family of their own as the blessings God promised to Abraham were passed to the next generation. 

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (gunther.net.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • Isaac’s birth was the fulfillment of a promise God made to Abraham and that it was a miracle.
  • Isaac was also being tested when Abraham was to offer him as a sacrifice. Isaac had to be obedient to his father and to trust God as well. 
  • Rebekah chose to leave her home to go to a land she did not know to marry a man she had never met. How does this show that she was a brave woman?
  • How must have Isaac felt when he saw Rebekah for the first time?Isaac inherited the promises God made to Abraham.God chose to work with Abraham’s family. Why do you think He chose Abraham’s family?

Memory Challenge: 

Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her: “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands of ten thousands; And may your descendants possess the gates of those who hate them.”

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 31 “Joseph’s Troubles”

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 Featured Passage: Genesis 39-40

Joseph was in trouble. His brothers had sold him to Midianite traders who took him into Egypt. There he was sold as a slave to Potiphar, a captain of the guard for Pharaoh. Joseph, despite his troubles, decided to do his best to please his master, and God blessed all that he did. However, Potiphar’s wife wanted Joseph to betray his master with her. He refused, so she lied to her husband about Joseph. Joseph was soon stuck in prison for a crime he did not commit, but he did not lose hope. Joseph continued trying to make the best of a horrible situation.

Discuss:

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Moody Publishers | FreeBibleImages.org
  • How do you think it would feel to be punished for something you didn’t do? How did Joseph deal with his situation? It can help to remember what God has promised in Hebrews 13:5 and Deuteronomy 31:6.
  • Joseph showed courage and bravery when he refused to sin against God. Can you think of any examples in your family when someone had to show courage and stand for what is right?
  • Joseph maintained a positive attitude through each trial he faced. He continued to obey God and to practice godly principles. Can you name some of Joseph’s good character traits?
  • Joseph was only a teenager when these things began to happen to him. As a young person he had already made a commitment to obey God. You are never too young to develop a relationship with God.

Memory Challenge: 

Genesis 39:2-3

The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 1: Lesson 31 “Jacob, and Esau, and the Promises”

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Featured Passage: Genesis 25-27

Jacob and Esau were twins, but never were two people more different. Esau was hairy, but Jacob had smooth skin. Esau was a skillful hunter, but Jacob was a mild-natured shepherd. Esau was the older of the two, but God chose Jacob to inherit the promises. One day Jacob was cooking lentil stew when Esau came in from the fields. He had been hunting and was very hungry. Jacob, whose name means “supplanter” (schemer), offered to give Esau some stew in exchange his rights as the firstborn. Esau agreed because he did not value his birthright. The day came when it was time for Isaac to pass the blessings on to his sons. He wanted to give the greater blessing to Esau. Rebekah and Jacob decided to try to trick Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing. For Jacob to receive the birthright and the blessing would impact the rest of history. 

Discuss:

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Lambsongs (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • The twins Jacob and Esau were very different from each other in many ways. They became the fathers of distinct nations.
  • What attitude did Esau display when he sold his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew? Did Esau appreciate his birthright? Talk about God’s laws concerning inheritance and the responsibilities and blessings of being firstborn in the family.
  • What were some of the Commandments that were broken when Jacob and his mother tricked Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing?
  • It was God’s intent for Jacob to receive the promises. However, Jacob did not wait for God to give the promises to him. He tried to take the matter into his own hands instead of relying on God. 

Memory Challenge

Genesis 27:29

“Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, and let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you!”

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 32 “Ruth Finds Favor with Boaz”

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 Featured Passage: Ruth 2

It was now up to Ruth to look after her mother-in-law. As the barley harvest began she went to a nearby grain field. Little did she know that was owned by Boaz, one of Naomi’s relatives. It was customary to let poor people pick up the leftover grain that was missed by the men who were harvesting. Ruth bent to the work, gleaning the barley, unaware that Boaz was watching. Kind-hearted Boaz asked his men who this diligent and hard-working woman was. When one of his servants explained who Ruth was, and how she had left her homeland to care for Naomi, he was deeply impressed. He spoke to Ruth, inviting her to eat and drink with his servants. He then instructed her to harvest  the barley sheaves alongside his servants. No longer would she have to pick up the leftover grain. Not only did this make her work easier, but she could collect a lot more grain in the same amount of time. Boaz took responsibility to protect her and help her, just as she had done for her aging mother-in-law. When Ruth returned home and told her about the kindness of the landowner, showing her the overflowing basket of barley, Naomi asked who the man was. When she learned that this generous, caring man was her close relative, Boaz, she understood how God’s hand had turned to favor her. 

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • Ruth’s works demonstrate her character. Christ said we can know a person’s character by their fruits (Luke 6:44–45). The Bible also says that even a child is known by their deeds (Proverbs 20:11).
  • Ruth had stopped serving idols to serve the one true God. She had left everything she knew to be among the people of God. We, as Christians, must be willing to forsake everything to serve God. What does it mean for us to give up everything to serve God?  
  • The Bible says that God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). God often does this by blessing our efforts. Ruth worked very hard, and as God promises, He blessed her efforts.

Memory Challenge:

Ruth 2:12

“The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

L3.L32-Ruth-finds-favorDownload

Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 32 “Joseph Becomes Governor of Egypt”

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Featured Passage: Genesis 41

The Pharaoh of Egypt had some odd dreams that bothered him so he wanted to know what they meant. When his butler heard about the problem, he remembered that Joseph was able to interpret dreams. The butler told Pharaoh about Joseph, who was still in prison, and Pharaoh quickly sent for him. Joseph told Pharaoh that his dreams were a warning from God that there would be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph made some suggestions about how Pharaoh could prepare for the famine, and Pharaoh recognized that God was with Joseph, so he wanted Joseph to work for him. Joseph was seventeen when he was sold into slavery. Now, when he was thirty years old, he became one of the most powerful men in Egypt. 

Discuss:

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  • Who inspired and interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams? 
  • God was with Joseph every step of the way. Sometimes God allows us to experience trials so that we can learn important lessons.  What do you think are some life lessons Joseph may have learned from his years of trials?
  • What does it mean to be diligent? How did Joseph exercise diligence? 
  • Joseph made a plan to save the nation by storing grain while the harvests were good. How can we use this principle in our own lives?

Memory Challenge: 

Genesis 41:39-10 

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 1: Lesson 32 “Jacob Returns with a Family”

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Featured Passage: Genesis 28-35 

On the way to Haran, God spoke to Jacob in a dream. God promised to be with him and to bring him safely back to Canaan. When Jacob arrived at his uncle Laban’s home he fell in love with Rachel, Laban’s younger daughter. Jacob bargained with Laban to work for seven years in return for Rachel as his wife. When the time came, Laban tricked Jacob and gave him Leah, his older daughter, to Jacob for his wife instead of Rachel!    Jacob had to work another seven years to marry Rachel. Jacob had many more adventures, but eventually he and his family made it back to the land of Canaan just as God had promised. He had twelve sons, who became the foundation for the nation of Israel.

Discuss:

Lambsongs (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • Laban tricked Jacob just as Jacob had tricked Esau. What lessons did Jacob learned from the way Laban treated him?
  • God was with Jacob and protected him from Laban and Esau. What can we learn from how God took care of Jacob?
  • God changed Jacob’s name from “Supplanter” to Israel which means “Overcomer with God”. Why did God change Jacob’s name?
  • Notice how Jacob received the promises God made to Abraham. His large family was important in fulfilling the promise that Abraham would have many descendants.

Memory Challenge: 

The Sons of Jacob –  
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin

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Life to Lessons: Just Read it!

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Estimated Reading Time: 1 min. 20 sec.

Ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of information you receive regarding ways to teach your children the Bible?

Many books, websites, blogs, and videos offer their advice, tips, and tools. There are many ideas out there, and many can be very useful and helpful. But don’t get caught up in the idea that having the perfect activities, or the best teaching style is going to be what trains your children to love the Bible.

It’s only been in the past few decades that people have had access to the activities, supplemental materials, and research in child psychology that is available today. Since many young people have grown up to love God and His inspired Word without these extra tools, they cannot not be the primary reason for it. So don’t over-complicate teaching God’s word.

Simply reading the Bible out loud to your children, just as it is written, is one of the best ways to ensure that your children are receiving God’s word in a wholesome way.

You don’t have to add a lot of activities or have access to the cutest Bible coloring pages. Just read the Bible as God wrote it. Reading it out loud to your children every day will help them build good habits of Bible study, and impress upon them that there is no substitution for God’s Book–which, quite honestly, is perfect just the way it is.

Parents’ Resources

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 33 “Ruth Gets Married”

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Featured Passage: Ruth 3-4

 Boaz was a prominent man in the community, having great wealth and many servants. He was also a close relative of Elimelech, Naomi’s deceased husband. Ruth had found favor with Boaz, and Naomi thought to secure Ruth’s future with him. The law of redemption allowed the nearest of kin to purchase the family land and to marry the widow of the one who owned it. Naomi instructed Ruth to secretly go to Boaz one night, with this statute in mind, and express her desire to put herself into his care. She said  to Boaz, “Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative.” She was basically asking Boaz to marry her! Boaz was glad that she came to him, and said he would be willing to take care of her, only there was a problem. There was another man who was more closely related to her than Boaz. This other man would have to decide not to redeem the land and marry Ruth if Boaz was to have a chance to do so himself. Not wanting to waste any time, Boaz got up early in the morning and went to the gate of the city to see what could be done. The decision made that day would determine what would happen to Ruth and Naomi. 

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • The book of Ruth is one of  two books in the Bible that has a woman’s name in the title.
  • Consider the character and honor that Boaz displayed in the book of Ruth. What were some things that he did which reflected favorably on his character? 
  • True love always shows outgoing concern for others and does no harm. When Boaz showed concern for Ruth’s reputation and went to great lengths to protect her name. What are some other examples of true love from the book of Ruth?

Memory Challenge: 

Ruth 3:10-11

Then he said, “Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.”

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