Ruth - A Mother Of Faith

The Importance of Godly Motherhood

Recent Statistics & Research (2023–2024)

(All Scripture references in KJV)

🕊️ Quotes from Preachers and Christian Leaders

John Wesley

“I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.” — John Wesley

Charles Spurgeon

“The devil never reckons a man to be lost so long as he has a good mother alive. O woman, great is thy power!” — Charles Spurgeon

Andrew Murray

“Your motherhood is in God’s sight holier and more blessed than you realize.” — Andrew Murray

Henry Ward Beecher

“The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.” — Henry Ward Beecher

Hannah Whitall Smith

“To be a mother is the greatest vocation in the world. No being has a position of such great power and influence.” — Hannah Whitall Smith

🇺🇸 Quotes from Founding Fathers and U.S. Presidents

George Washington

“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother.” — George Washington

Abraham Lincoln

“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” — Abraham Lincoln

John Adams

“The mothers are the earliest and most important instructors of youth.” — John Adams

Thomas Jefferson

“Motherhood is the keystone of the arch of matrimonial happiness.” — Thomas Jefferson

John Quincy Adams

“My mother was an angel upon earth... She was the real personification of female virtue, of piety, of charity.” — John Quincy Adams

1. Mothers as Primary Spiritual Influencers

"Train up a child in the way he should go..." – Proverbs 22:6

68% of practicing Christians say their mother was the most influential person in their spiritual development. (Barna Group)

70% of teens talk about God with their mom;

71% discuss the Bible;

63% pray together. (Barna “Households of Faith”)

2. Faith Formation and Religious Continuity

"From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures..." – 2 Timothy 3:15

77% of U.S. Christians say they still follow their mother’s faith tradition. (American Bible Society, 2023)

Teens with strong faith are 20% more likely to discuss it with their mother than with their father. (Barna)

3. Emotional and Social Well-Being

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed..." – Proverbs 31:28

Children whose mothers attend church regularly report:

Better emotional health

Stronger family bonds

More positive friendships

(Harvard / Psychiatric Services study)

Religious mothers contribute to:

Higher family cohesion

Lower levels of conflict

(NI Social Science Study)

4. Role Modeling and Spiritual Engagement

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." – Proverbs 31:26

87% of children aged 8–14 view their mother as a good example of a follower of Jesus. (National Church Life Survey)

Mothers are more spiritually active than fathers in:

Church attendance

Prayer

Bible reading

Faith conversations (Barna Research)

Conclusion

Godly mothers are among the most powerful spiritual influences in a child's life. Their faith, words, and example ripple through generations—shaping hearts, homes, and even history.

"The Faith of Ruth: Becoming the Grandmother of a King"

Text: Ruth 1:16–17 “16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”

“13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son. 14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. 15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. 16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. 17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.”

Introduction (5 minutes)

Open with the question: What kind of faith does God use to shape kings and fulfill promises?

Ruth was a Moabite woman, an outsider by birth—but an insider by faith.

Though her name only appears in one book, her legacy touches eternity—through King David and Jesus Christ.

Read Ruth 1:16–17 and explain the background:

Naomi’s family went to Moab during famine.

Naomi’s husband and sons died.

Ruth chooses to go back with Naomi to Bethlehem.

I. THE FAITH TO FORSAKE - Ruth's Faith was a Faith that Forsook All (10 minutes)

Ruth 1:16-17 – “Intreat me not to leave thee… thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”

Ruth made a total commitment:

Left her country, culture, family, and false gods.

A picture of repentance: turning from idols to serve the living God (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 “9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;”

Her decision wasn’t based on comfort or gain—she chose God even in uncertainty and grief.

Illustrate: Like Abraham (Hebrews 11:8 “8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”

she went not knowing the outcome.

Application: True faith counts the cost and still follows God.

II. THE FAITH TO BE FAITHFUL - Ruth's Faith was a Faith that Served in Humility (10 minutes)

Ruth 2:2 “2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.”

– “Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn…”

Ruth took initiative, worked hard, and submitted to God's provision.

Gleaning was hard, humble work for the poor (Leviticus 19:9–10 “9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. 10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God.”

Her diligence caught Boaz’s attention (Ruth 2:11–12 “11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. 12 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.”

– “The LORD recompense thy work…”).

God often honors faithful obedience in the mundane before He opens the door to the miraculous.

Here is a list of biblical heroes—both men and women—who were faithful in the mundane or difficult things, and God blessed and used them mightily. These examples show that faithfulness in ordinary or humble circumstances is often the foundation for extraordinary impact.

🧔‍♂️ Men

1. Joseph (Genesis 39–41)

Faithful in Potiphar's house and prison.

Served diligently in obscurity before being elevated to Pharaoh’s right hand.

“The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man…” (Genesis 39:2)

2. David (1 Samuel 16–17)

Faithful as a shepherd, playing the harp and protecting sheep.

God saw his heart and anointed him king.

“He chose David also his servant… he fed them according to the integrity of his heart…” (Psalm 78:70–72)

3. Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1–2)

Faithful as a cupbearer to the king.

Used by God to lead the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall.

4. Daniel (Daniel 1–6)

Faithful in exile, dietary discipline, and consistent prayer.

God promoted him to high office in multiple kingdoms.

“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents…” (Daniel 6:3)

5. Moses (Exodus 3–4)

Tended sheep for 40 years in the wilderness.

God called him from the burning bush for national leadership.

6. Elisha (1 Kings 19:19–21)

Plowing the field when Elijah called him.

Left everything to serve, and God used him to work mighty miracles.

7. Joshua (Exodus 24:13; Joshua 1)

Faithful assistant to Moses for decades.

Became the leader who took Israel into the Promised Land.

👩‍🦰 Women

1. Ruth (Book of Ruth)

Faithful in grief and gleaning in the fields.

God gave her Boaz, Obed, and a place in Christ’s genealogy.

2. Hannah (1 Samuel 1–2)

Faithful in persistent prayer for a child.

God gave her Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord.

3. Esther (Book of Esther)

Faithful in her role as queen, navigating palace life quietly until God used her to save Israel.

“Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

4. Mary, mother of Jesus (Luke 1–2)

Faithful in quiet obedience and motherhood.

Called “highly favoured” and entrusted with raising the Messiah.

5. Priscilla (Acts 18)

Faithful in hospitality and discipleship alongside her husband Aquila.

Helped teach Apollos more perfectly the way of the Lord.

6. The Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8–16)

Faithful in feeding Elijah with her last meal.

God miraculously sustained her household.

7. The Shunammite Woman (2 Kings 4)

Faithful in making a room for Elisha.

God gave her a son and later restored him to life.

💡 Lesson Summary

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)

God sees and rewards faithfulness in small things—in daily routines, obscure service, or painful trials. These biblical lives encourage us to remain faithful even when no one notices—because God does.

🏡 Humble Work That Builds a Godly Home

Inspired by Ruth’s faithful gleaning (Ruth 2)

“Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not.” – Ruth 2:15 (KJV)

🧺 Daily Labor That Requires Faithful Love

Washing dishes (again and again) Faith to believe this service creates peace and order.

Folding laundry and putting it away Faith that small acts of care teach dignity and cleanliness.

Cooking daily meals (even when no one says thank you) Faith that nourishment is ministry.

Packing lunches, snacks, and water bottles Faith that preparation enables loved ones to thrive.

Making the bed or tidying the house Faith that beauty and order reflect God’s design.

Picking up toys or shoes left out (again) Faith that love repeats itself without resentment.

👩‍👧 Relational and Emotional Labor That Often Goes Unseen

Listening to children’s stories or complaints patiently Faith that attention forms hearts.

Staying calm during toddler tantrums or teenage moods Faith that self-control is spirit-led leadership.

Encouraging a discouraged spouse Faith that quiet support strengthens foundations.

Being emotionally available when you'd rather withdraw Faith that love is presence, not perfection.

Praying over your home, even if others don’t know Faith that God hears and blesses.

🛠️ Sacrifices and Servanthood Behind the Scenes

Waking up early or staying up late for the needs of others Faith that unseen hours matter to God.

Budgeting and managing money with restraint Faith that stewardship honors God.

Driving children to activities or errands over and over Faith that reliability builds trust.

Saying “no” to yourself so others can have what they need Faith that sacrifice stores treasure in heaven.

Doing it tired—doing it sick—doing it while no one notices Faith that the God who sees in secret will reward openly (Matthew 6:4).

✝️ Spiritual Work that Anchors the Home

Reading the Bible aloud to children or spouse Faith that God’s Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).

Teaching manners, Scripture, or forgiveness at the dinner table Faith that habits build holiness.

Attending church even when it’s hard or inconvenient Faith that consistency bears fruit.

Trusting God's timing in seasons of loneliness, lack, or loss Faith that the Redeemer is near, just like Boaz was to Ruth.

🌾 Like Ruth Gleaning in the Fields...

Ruth labored humbly, gleaning the leftovers. She didn’t do it for applause—she did it for love, survival, and faith. And God saw her. Boaz noticed her. And God rewarded her.

“Blessed be thou of the Lord... for all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law... is fully known.” – Ruth 2:12

Application: Are you faithful in the field God has you in now?

III. THE FAITH TO FIND FAVOR - Ruth's Faith was a Faith that Found Favor and Fulfilled God's Plan (10 minutes)

Ruth 4:13–17 – “Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife… and she bare a son… and they called his name Obed.”

Ruth's obedience positioned her for divine blessing.

God wove her into His redemptive plan—Obed became the father of Jesse, the father of David, Israel’s great king.

And beyond David—Matthew 1:5–6 “5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;” ,

Matthew 1:16 “16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”

includes her in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Boaz is a type of Christ—her kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 3–4).

Christ redeems Gentiles, outcasts, and sinners by grace.

🕊 Ruth: A Picture of the Gentile Church Grafted In

“Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” – Ruth 1:16 (KJV) “Thou… wert grafted in among them…” – Romans 11:17 (KJV)

📖 1. Ruth Was a Moabitess — A Gentile Outsider

Ruth came from Moab, a people historically separated from the covenant blessings of Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3).

She had no natural right to the promises of God, just like the Gentile nations.

“We were without Christ… aliens from the commonwealth of Israel…” – Ephesians 2:12

❤️ 2. Ruth Clung to Naomi and Chose Israel’s God

Ruth’s personal faith is seen in her words to Naomi:

“Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

This mirrors the faith response of Gentiles who turn from idols to follow the living God.

🌾 3. Ruth Gleaned in the Field of Boaz — A Type of Grace

Gleaning was humble, undeserved provision from the field of another.

Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, pictures Christ who sees and redeems the lowly outsider.

“Let her glean even among the sheaves…” – Ruth 2:15

“By grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves…” – Ephesians 2:8

💍 4. Ruth Was Redeemed and Married to Boaz

Boaz legally redeemed Ruth and took her as his bride.

This pictures Christ redeeming the church—made up of both Jew and Gentile—by paying the price Himself.

“Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred…” – Revelation 5:9

👑 5. Ruth Became Part of the Messianic Line

Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David, and therefore part of the line of Christ (Matthew 1:5).

This shows how the Gentile Church is not a second-class citizen, but fully grafted into God’s redemptive plan.

“Being made nigh by the blood of Christ… for he is our peace…” – Ephesians 2:13–14

✨ Conclusion

Ruth is a beautiful foreshadowing of how outsiders are brought in by grace. Like Ruth, the Gentile church had no claim—but by faith, through Christ, we are redeemed, loved, and grafted in to the family of God.

Conclusion & Gospel Invitation (5 minutes)

Ruth’s story begins with tragedy, but ends with triumph—because of faith.

She was an outsider, but God brought her inside His covenant.

She pictures the Gentile church grafted in by faith.

Her story teaches:

God honors faith, not just heritage.

Your past doesn't define your legacy—faith does.

A faithful life today may shape generations tomorrow.

The ultimate “Son of David” is Jesus Christ, and through Him, we too are part of God’s family.

Call to Action:

Are you walking by that kind of faith today?

Have you left your Moab and trusted in the Redeemer?

Like Ruth, you too can be part of God's eternal story by placing your faith in Jesus Christ.