2. Going back to Ruth chapter 1, verses 9 & 12, what was Naomi’s desire for her daughters-in-law? Was this an unreasonable desire for Naomi to have? Small Group Questions a. What did having a husband mean for a woman “The Threshing Floor” during that time in the history of Israel? Ruth 3:1-18 b. What was the role of parents in finding a Previous message summary: By faith, Ruth took a risk husband or wife for their children during this and went to glean in the nearby fields in order to provide time in the history of Israel? for Naomi and herself. God’s providence led her to a c. What would you have done if you were in property owned by Boaz, a kinsman redeemer, who Naomi’s situation? Would you have tried to showed her kindness and protection. devise a plan to get Boaz and Ruth married? What we learned: God wants me to have a grateful 3. Naomi’s plan involves Ruth cleaning herself up, attitude, looking to him for his provision, and being going to the community threshing floor, laying at generous to others with what he provides. Boaz’ feet, and asking to be covered by his garment (wing). How does this proposal differ from what we Introduction see in our modern culture? 1. In chapter 3, Ruth makes an appeal for marriage to a. What was the significance of Ruth washing, Boaz at the community threshing floor. Have you and changing her clothes? What did this signify ever had to ask someone to do something significant to Boaz? for you without knowing the outcome? b. What did laying at Boaz’ feet communicate? a. How difficult was it for you to gain the courage Why was this an important part of the proposal? to ask the question? What gave you the courage to ask the question? 4. When Boaz awakes and asks Ruth “Who are you?,” b. Did you wait for the right time to ask the Ruth responds with her request to come under the question? wing, or covering of Boaz. Based on his reaction, what specifically is Ruth asking Boaz? c. Did you try to “set-up” the circumstances surrounding the question to make it easier for a. Was Ruth’s request inappropriate? the person you were asking to give you the b. What would have happened if Ruth had not answer you wanted? done what Naomi asked her to do? Discussion Questions c. What does the fact that Boaz did not pursue a Read Ruth Chapter 3 relationship with Ruth, other than providing for her needs, tell us about Boaz’ character? Are you willing to be patient and let things develop b. How can God use your generosity to impact at God’s time in your life? people for God’s Kingdom? d. Was there any prior indication that Boaz would 8. As Ruth tells Naomi the details of what happened at be open to this request from Ruth? What does the threshing floor, Naomi says that Boaz will settle this tell us about trusting God? the matter with the closer relative quickly. What does this tell us about Boaz and his sense of urgency 5. What was Boaz’ response to Ruth’s request? (Read concerning this matter? Ruth 3:10) a. When you have difficult things to work through, a. What earlier kindness did Ruth display that are you anxious to settle the matter quickly? Boaz is referring to? (Read Ruth 2:11-12) b. What is the benefit of addressing things quickly b. What is so remarkable, from Boaz’ perspective, rather than allowing them to linger? about Ruth’s request to Boaz? Challenge c. Have you ever been the recipient of this kind of overwhelming kindness in your life? What In this chapter, we continue to see God working out his difference did it make in your life? plan in the lives of real people. Take time to stop and reflect upon the ways that God has worked in your life in 6. Boaz says that he is a kinsman redeemer in verse the past, and pray that God would continue to work 12. What is a kinsman redeemer and what through your life to accomplish his purpose. responsibilities do they have? (Leviticus 25:25; 35: 47-49; Numbers 35:19; Deuteronomy 25:5-10) Action a. Since Boaz is not the closest relative, what This week, commit to being bold in the way that you share does he decide to do? (Ruth 3:12-13) the message of God’s love with people. Be willing to step out on faith and trust God for the results as you share the b. What does Boaz’ plan to contact the closer message of Jesus with your world. relative tell us about his character? Next Steps: c. Have you ever been tempted to do the right thing in the wrong way? What was the G With God’s help, I will try to do the right thing—no outcome? matter what. 7. As Ruth leaves the threshing floor the next morning, G I will make my family (both immediate and extended) Boaz gives her a gift. What does this gift tell us about a priority in my life. the extent to which Boaz continues to take care of G I will try “to do good to all people, especially those Ruth and Naomi? who belong to the family of believers” (Gal 6:10). a. Was this gift something that Ruth or Naomi deserved or expected?