Messianic Moments Devotional Series—Ruth

The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of redemption that points directly to the heart of Jesus’ mission on earth. Ruth, a Moabite widow, becomes part of God’s redemptive plan through her marriage to Boaz, her kinsman redeemer, a figure who rescues her and Naomi from a life of despair. This act of redemption is a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus, our true Kinsman Redeemer, who came to rescue humanity from sin and death. Just as Boaz takes Ruth into his care and restores her future, Jesus offers us salvation and an eternal inheritance, adopting us into His family. The book also highlights the themes of grace and inclusion, as Ruth, a Gentile, is grafted into the lineage of Israel—much like Jesus, who opens the doors of God’s kingdom to all people, Jew and Gentile alike. Ruth’s story is not just about personal redemption but also points to the larger redemptive story of the Messiah who would come to restore and redeem all of creation.

1. • The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is central to understanding the Messianic connection in the book of Ruth. The kinsman-redeemer was a relative who had the responsibility to redeem family members who were in poverty, sold into slavery, or widowed. Boaz fulfills this role as the redeemer for Naomi and Ruth, ensuring that their family line continues.
   • This act of redemption prefigures Jesus Christ as the ultimate Redeemer, who, through His death and resurrection, redeems humanity from sin and death (1 Peter 1:18-19).
   • Just as Boaz marries Ruth to preserve the name of the dead, Jesus, through His incarnation and sacrifice, provides eternal life and brings us into the family of God, ensuring the continuation of God’s covenant promises (Romans 8:15-17).
   • The inclusion of Ruth, a Gentile, in the lineage of David and ultimately in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), shows the universality of Christ’s redemption, making it available to all peoples, not just the Jews.

1. • Talmud (Yevamot 62b) discusses the role of the kinsman-redeemer, focusing on the obligation to marry the widow and preserve the family name. However, Jewish interpretations of Ruth typically do not see this as a Messianic foreshadowing but as a legal and social provision within the context of Israel’s laws.
   • Rashi highlights the kindness of Boaz in redeeming Ruth, focusing on his integrity and adherence to the law. His actions are presented as an example of righteousness, but not explicitly tied to the coming of a Messianic redeemer.
   • The Midrash sees Boaz as a righteous figure, but the Messianic connection is not usually drawn in traditional Jewish commentary.

1. • The leverite marriage (the obligation of a brother-in-law to marry his deceased brother’s widow) and the role of the kinsman-redeemer were integral to the social and legal systems of ancient Israel. The responsibility to redeem land and people was a way of ensuring the continuity of family lines and preserving property within the tribe.
   • Boaz’s willingness to redeem Ruth, even when a closer relative had the first right of refusal, demonstrates sacrificial love, which is echoed in the self-giving love of Christ.

1. • The early Church recognized the significance of the kinsman-redeemer as a foreshadowing of Christ, especially in relation to His sacrifice on the cross. The writings of the Church Fathers such as Irenaeus and Ambrose emphasized how Christ, as the ultimate Redeemer, takes on the role of the kinsman who buys back humanity from sin.
   • The Genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 includes Ruth as a part of the Messianic line, showing that God’s plan of redemption includes both Jews and Gentiles, a theme that is central to the New Testament.

1. • Ruth’s story is set during the period of the Judges, a time when Israel was spiritually and socially fractured, pointing to the need for a righteous king who would bring order and deliverance. This anticipation is fulfilled in the Davidic line, which eventually leads to Jesus as the promised Messiah.
   • The inclusion of a Gentile woman in the genealogy of David (Ruth) and later in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) was radical, emphasizing God’s grace in extending His covenant to all nations. This radical inclusivity is an essential part of the gospel message.

The story of Ruth reminds us of the extraordinary lengths God goes to redeem and restore His people, offering a powerful reflection of Jesus as our ultimate Kinsman Redeemer. In Ruth, we see God’s heart for the outcast, the foreigner, and the broken, as Ruth—a Moabite widow—is grafted into the lineage of Israel and ultimately becomes part of the genealogy of Christ. Boaz’s sacrificial love and faithfulness point us to Jesus, who redeemed us not with silver or land but with His own life, ensuring our eternal inheritance in His kingdom. As followers of Jesus, let Ruth’s story inspire gratitude for the inclusiveness of God’s redemption and encourage us to reflect His grace by welcoming others into His family. Embrace the assurance that, no matter how lost or distant you may feel, God’s plan of redemption is unfolding, and His love is unfailing.