11. The Power of Story: Esther and Ruth (ch. 3:8-ch.4)

Questions

1. What do you think are differences between why Naomi’s apparently self concocted solution to her situation (Ruth to present herself to Boaz at the threshing floor) was blessed by God and positively furthered his story while Abraham and Sara’s self concocted plan to further their family line through Hagar was NOT?

2. How does Ruth and Boaz’s generous interpretation of the law

foreshadow Jesus’ teaching of the Beatitudes?

3. In what ways does this kind of rule breaking help you imagine the endless possibilities to the greatest command to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself”?