Text Study for Sunday, July 13, 2025

Series Theme: You Welcomed Me

Reading: Ruth 2:1-12

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

What was a negative name someone called you as a young person? Why do we remember those names?

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Lord Jesus, you welcomed all who came into your presence. May I reflect that same spirit through this ministry of hospitality. May your light shine in my heart this day. Remove from me anything that would stand in the way of radiating your presence.

As people enter this Church to worship and praise You, may they hear your voice in my words and see your love in my actions. May my “welcome” reflect our joy at their presence amid my “good-by” encourage them to return soon.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and ask your blessing upon all my efforts. I ask this through our God who is the giver of all gifts.

CONTEXT

As people of faith, we are called to practice hospitality not as a mere act of kindness, but as a sacred expression of our beliefs. Hospitality is a faith practice that reflects the heart of God. When we welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and create space for others at our tables, we do so as if we are serving Jesus himself.

In extending hospitality, we embody the love, grace, and radical welcome of Christ. It is not optional or occasional—it is a core part of our discipleship. Through hospitality, we bear witness to a God who receives all with open arms and calls us to do the same. Join us on this journey with our sermon series, You Welcomed Me, will explore this need to welcome, care for, walk with, include, and show kindness.

From Dr Diane Jacobson at EntertheBible.org:

The Book of Ruth shows how the actions and commitments of ordinary and even unexpected people such as foreigners and widows can change the course of history for the better. The book helps the reader to redefine family, to appreciate the significant role of the righteous foreigner, and to look at the importance of living up to the spirit rather than the letter of the law. God works through the actions of a widow, a foreigner, and a wealthy farmer to bring about the birth of the grandfather of King David, which ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Who was a stranger you encountered this past week? What was it like?
Open to Ruth 2. This book has three main “characters.” Ruth, Boaz, and ____________?
What was Boaz’s job? What city is he from?
What do we know about Naomi? How is she defined?
What do we know about Ruth?
If this is the Bible, what “character” is missing from the book of Ruth? Why do you think that might be?
Boaz means “strength.” Names were part of the way people were defined. What might this say about Boaz’s future actions?
How else is Boaz defined in this passage? What are his qualities?
There is a unique character in Ruth 2:4. How does Boaz greet the man in charge of the reapers?
What does he ask the man in charge of the reapers? What is the response?
What does this prompt Boaz to do?
Why is Ruth surprised by this action?
Why might the way we welcome anyone who comes to the Easter campus be important given this story?
What catches your attention in this story?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Pray for and thank farmers and field hands for making food appear at our table so easily.

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | July 13, 2025