Finding Your Place
Outsiders come to belong among God’s people
Tell us about a time someone went out of their way to include you. What was that like? How’d it make you feel?
Read: Ruth 1:1-5
Put yourself in Naomi’s shoes. What would you have felt in this moment?
Read: Ruth 1:6-15
Put yourself in Ruth’s shoes. What would you have felt if you were her?
Read: Ruth 1:16-18
What were the risks for Ruth in going with Naomi? In what was would she be considered an outsider? (Leaders Note: Read Deuteronomy 23:3-6 for context)
Read: Matthew 1:1-5
What is the significance of Ruth’s name being here in Jesus’ genealogy? In what ways should it have been an embarrassment?
Ruth found belonging among God’s people: what part did she play? What part did the Israelites around her play? What part did God play?
For people to belong at South Lansing Christian Church, what part do you need to play?
Pray: Pray for opportunities this week to help people belong at church. Pray for eyes to see those opportunities, and for the willingness to act!