2. Boaz goes to the city gate to discuss the matter of who will be the kinsman redeemer with the other closer relative. Why did he go to the city gate? Small Group Questions a. What kinds of things were resolved at the city “Mr. So-and-So” gate during ancient times? Ruth 4:1-22 b. How long did it take for Boaz to locate this Previous message summary: By faith, Ruth followed other closer relative? How would you explain Naomi’s instruction and went to the threshing floor at night this “chance” encounter? to lay at Boaz’s feet and ask to come under Boaz’s wing c. The other kinsman redeemer is never named. of protection and provision. Boaz responds favorably, but What are some reasons why this other relative points out that he is not the closest kinsman redeemer is not mentioned by name? and promises to resolve the matter with this other relative the next day. Before sending Ruth back to Naomi, he 3. When Boaz meets with the kinsman redeemer, why gives her a gift of six measures of barley. does he gather the city elders? Was it common for the city elders to be involved in this kind of What we learned: We learned that we need to stick by negotiation? each other through difficult times, especially when a a. What is significant about the fact that 10 elders family member is involved. We also learned how are included in this conversation? important it is for us to commit to doing the right thing, for the right reason, and in the right way. b. What does this story tell us about the importance of the role of the city leaders? Is Introduction this form of “government” still needed and practiced in our modern society? 1. Boaz was determined to settle the issue of kinsman redeemer the same day that Ruth asked to come 4. Boaz tells the other kinsman redeemer that Naomi is under his wing. What has been so urgent and selling a piece of land and that he should buy it. Why important in your past that you couldn’t wait to get does Boaz talk about redeeming the land first and the matter settled? redeeming Ruth second? a. Have you ever had to come to someone’s a. What is the man’s initial response to buying the rescue? Were you compelled to do what you land from Naomi? Why did he initially respond needed to do as soon as possible? this way? b. Have you ever felt God’s Spirit leading you to b. Once Boaz mentions that Ruth, the Moabitess, do something, knowing it was right? What was is also a part of the package, what is the man’s the result of following God’s leading? response? Why did he changed his mind? Discussion Questions c. What was Boaz’s reaction when the other redeemer chose to pass on the offer? How is Read Ruth Chapter 4 the hand of God working behind the scenes to orchestrate this negotiation? d. Have you ever been a part of a situation where when people know that we are men and you are waiting for someone else to either women of great character? accept or pass on a deal? What was your 8. At the end of chapter 4, Naomi is told that Ruth, her reaction when you found out that they passed daughter-in-law, is better to her than seven sons. and the deal was now available to you? Again, what does this tell us about the kind of 5. Why did the kinsman redeemer take off his sandal woman Ruth is, and the kind of people that God and give it to Boaz? What does this tell us about blesses and works through? when the story of Ruth was actually written? Ruth a. What would need to change in your life to be a 4:7 person that God can bless and work through? 6. When Boaz cleared the way for himself to be the b. Naomi ends up being filled back up when her kinsman redeemer, he made the announcement to grandson is born ... contrast the end of Ruth the elders and all the people. Why did he make a with the beginning. public proclamation? 9. The story of Ruth is really the story of us and how a. Have you ever made a public announcement to God has redeemed us through the work of Jesus those around you? What is the significance of Christ. Compare Boaz, Ruth’s kinsman redeemer to speaking out about something? Jesus, our kinsman redeemer. b. When Boaz becomes the kinsman redeemer, Challenge: God’s plan for redeeming Ruth and what all did he redeem? Ruth 4:9-10 continuing the linage of Christ is accomplished when 7. When the transaction has been finalized, the city Boaz shows undeserved favor, kindness and elders and everyone else at the city gate unconditional love to a foreigner. Pray that God would pronounced a blessing on Boaz as well as Ruth. give you a heart like Boaz, so that people can know and What was included in their blessing? Ruth 4:11-12 experience the redemption of Christ in their lives. a. What do you know about Rachel and Leah? Action: Make a list of five people that you can show Why would the people hope that Ruth would be undeserved favor, kindness, and unconditional love to this like them? week in order to show them the redeeming power of Christ. b. How would having a family like Tamar and Judah be a blessing? In what ways are Next Steps: Tamar’s and Ruth’s situation similar? G I am experiencing a time of famine and drought. I c. What does this blessing tell us about the need a redeemer to fill me up, renew and sustain respect and love that Boaz and Ruth (a me. Moabitess) had among the people of G I am so thankful that Jesus was willing to redeem Bethlehem? me from a life of despair. d. How important is it for us to be people who are G With Christ’s help, I will try to leave behind a legacy respected among our neighbors and co- of faith, rather than live as an ordinary John/Jane workers? What kind of influence can we have Doe.