“The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”
So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor.”
He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and placed the bundle on her. Then he went back to town.
- Ruth 3:10-15
Understanding the context of this passage is essential for understanding its meaning. Before this, Naomi gave instructions to Ruth on what to do in her encounter with Boaz. Then Ruth does just what Naomi tells her, including making the official request to Boaz to be their guardian-redeemer. Now, Boaz is giving his response to Ruth’s request.
Boaz begins his response in verse 10 with a blessing. His use of “daughter” indicates not only his affection but also the cultural acknowledgment of an age difference between them. Ruth’s request—essentially a marriage proposal—would have been bold in that society, where women typically did not initiate such arrangements. However, rather than reacting with shock or disapproval, Boaz commends Ruth’s kindness (hesed), which extends beyond simple loyalty to Naomi.
By stating that Ruth did not pursue younger men, whether rich or poor, Boaz affirms her commitment to family duty over personal gain. This contrasts with the common assumption that young widows would seek remarriage for economic security. Instead, Ruth demonstrates covenantal faithfulness, seeking the well-being of Naomi’s household rather than merely her own interests.
Boaz assures Ruth that her boldness will not be a detriment to her in verse 11. He will take care of her, and he will make sure that her reputation is not tarnished from this incident since it was very counter-cultural at the time.
In verse 12, Boaz acknowledges his role as the guardian-redeemer, having the responsibility of ensuring that land and lineage remained within the family. However, Boaz points out that another relative holds a closer claim. This introduces an important legal principle: the process of redemption must follow the proper order.
Boaz’s integrity is evident in his commitment to follow the correct process. Instead of secretly marrying Ruth that night, he ensures that the closer relative has the first opportunity to act. This adherence to justice aligns with the cultural importance of maintaining fairness in property and marriage rights.
Boaz tells Ruth to stay until morning (verse 13), raising questions about propriety and protection. Some might view this as improper, but in the cultural context, this decision safeguarded Ruth from potential danger. The threshing floor was typically a place where men celebrated after the harvest, sometimes with excessive drinking. By keeping Ruth near him, Boaz likely ensured her safety from potential harm.
Moreover, Boaz’s command that no one should know a woman had come to the threshing floor highlights his concern for Ruth’s reputation. Ancient Israelite society placed immense value on a woman’s honor, and an unwed woman being seen at night with a man could lead to damaging rumors. Boaz’s discretion demonstrates his respect for Ruth’s character and his desire to protect her from societal judgment. Ruth did as he instructed and left before she was seen the next morning (verse 14).
In verse 15, as Ruth is leaving, Boaz gives her six measures of barley. While the exact weight of these “measures” is debated, the symbolic meaning is clear: provision and promise. This act serves as an assurance for Naomi that Boaz had good intentions to take care of them. This gift also shows that Boaz values Ruth, not simply dismissing her but taking an extra step to provide for her and Naomi. This gift could also be an affirmation of Ruth’s proposal, confirming that Boaz desires to fulfill his role as the guardian-redeemer.
Boaz’s response to Ruth shows his integrity, patience, and adherence to the law. His actions demonstrate key cultural values of legal faithfulness (following proper procedures for the culture), kindness, generosity, honor, and respect. This reveals that he is deeply rooted in faith, honor, and integrity.
While our culture today would handle situations like this much differently, those principles of faith, honor, and integrity should still be evident in our lives today. How do your actions with those around you reveal those principles in your life? Or do you need to make changes to ensure that you are living your life in a manner worthy of your calling as a follower of Jesus Christ, the ultimate redeemer?
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One of the biggest misconceptions about Jesus is that He is just love, mercy, and compassion, but He is not about judgment and wrath. Jesus said He did not come to condemn the world but to save it; however, in the very next sentence, He said the world is condemned already. He simply is not adding to it. It’s already there. We have already sinned, and therefore, Jesus does not need to come around and bring judgment. However, Jesus does warn of that judgment that is already due, but in that judgment, He offers peace, hope, and salvation – the one means of escape from that judgment. A clear case study of this is found in Matthew 11:20-30.
In the first part of this passage, Jesus condemns three towns: Bethsaida, Corazin, and Capernaum, all towns in which Jesus had based His Galilean ministry and where He spent most of His time in ministry for three years. They all saw Him and heard Him, and yet there was no change in how the towns as a whole operated. They came for a spectacle, to get what they wanted, and then went right back to their lifestyles as though Jesus never was there. And this made Jesus mad and sad.
Many say Jesus was fond of using hyperbole, but I find many times people will argue that to try to lessen the sting of the message. The Bible is full of very strong language, equating witchcraft to idolatry, comparing our own righteousness to menstrual rags, and even making Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Hosea do some very strange things to showcase just how graphic the nature of sin is. I think the Bible actually holds back on the severity of sin because we simply don’t have the language to understand it. I don’t believe Jesus is using hyperbole here. I believe Jesus did believe Sodom, Gomorrah, and Nineveh would have repented had they seen Jesus in action. And because the towns who saw Him in action, the very Son of God on display, nonchalantly went about their way, what else would it take? This is the same thing Jesus confronted the Pharisees with in Matthew 12 with the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. As John MacArthur put it, “If after you have seen what I do and heard what I say and all you can do is conclude this to be the work of the devil, then you are beyond the possibility of being saved. There is nothing more you could receive.”
Judgment was coming, and because Jesus was rejected, there was nothing more that could be done. This is also why God condemned the pre-Flood world, why He condemned Sodom and Gomorrah even with the hope of finding ten righteous men, and why He condemned the adult generation leaving Egypt. Because they did not receive the message, and even if God the Father had come down and shown all His glory to prove Himself to them, they would only hate Him all the more.
But with this condemnation that Jesus is merely stating is already there, Jesus offers hope. To come to Him, to be with Him, to take your yoke upon Him because every person’s daily life is simply brutal. When we find rest in Jesus, He does the heavy lifting. I don’t get how people think they can survive without Christ because they simply aren’t. They may put on a good façade, and they may have deceived themselves into being fine, but human life is not designed to operate without God. And Jesus doesn’t call for us to pull our fair share of the load. He simply asks us to come alongside Him and let Him do all the work.
Jesus did not want to condemn anyone; He wanted to save people from condemnation. He offered life and life abundant, but to acquire it requires denial of the old life. To get the new life, you need to get rid of the old life. And the new life is so much better than the old life. I have heard it said that the world is simply amazed at how Christians can engage in parties and enjoy company without the use of beer or drugs. Why? Because we have a source of joy that far supersedes any temporary pleasure the world offers.
What Jesus offers is the best thing that could be offered. I am reminded of what God offered Israel as they entered the Promised Land: life for obedience or death for disobedience. Such an easy choice… or more accurately, such an obvious choice which one would be better. But what did Israel do? They chose sin and death. Then they blamed God for it, and we are no different. So many times, we go back to the very vomit we throw up, and I am reminded of what Paul says in Romans 6: We are to be dead to those things. We were supposed to have given those up, abandoning the old life to embrace the new life. I am so grateful to have a God who doesn’t give up on me. Because He very well could. He gave up on three towns that saw Jesus in the flesh. He gave them over to eternal judgment, though obviously, there were individuals who escaped and believed.
We can desire to see someone saved all we want, but there does come a point when God says: “They are finished. They are dead. There is nothing more that can be done.” Yes, God could just snap His fingers and “save everyone,” but that is not how He designed things. Why would sinful people want to spend eternity with the very God they hate anyway? They want paradise but not God. And only those who want God are getting in. Do we want Him? Or do we just want what He offers? The towns Jesus cursed only wanted the show, the miracles, and the feel-goods. They didn’t want Jesus, and they didn’t want to give up their lives to Him. But those who did found rest and comfort. They found a load in life that was easy and light, lighter than anything they could ever find anywhere else. And they would never go back.
Find your rest in Jesus. And while it sounds cruel, the dead cannot be saved; you have to let them go. That is what Jesus did. They refused to get on the “ark,” and when the Flood came, there was nothing more that could be done. Don’t reject the message. Come to Christ before it is too late.
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When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet!
“Who are you?” he asked.
“I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”
- Ruth 3:7-9
In the section before this, Naomi had given Ruth specific instructions of what to do when she goes to see Boaz. Ruth trusted Naomi and promised to do exactly what she instructed (verse 6). To modern readers, Ruth’s actions might appear bold, inappropriate, or just plain odd, but within the ancient Israelite context, they were a profound statement of faith and submission.
The threshing floor was a significant site in agrarian societies, where harvested grain was separated from the chaff. After the hard labor of threshing, landowners like Boaz would sleep near their grain to protect it from thieves. This was their livelihood, after all – not just financially but also their food to survive. The setting of Ruth’s approach is important because it reflects a moment of vulnerability and trust between her and Boaz.
While the exact meaning of Ruth uncovering Boaz’s feet (verse 7) isn’t explicitly stated, there are several interpretations that help us understand its cultural and theological significance.
In ancient Israelite culture, placing oneself at someone's feet was often an act of humility, submission, and supplication. By uncovering Boaz’s feet and lying down, Ruth was symbolically placing herself under his authority, signaling her request for his protection and provision as a guardian-redeemer. This echoes other biblical moments where people fall at the feet of someone in a position of power or grace.
The uncovering of feet may have been a marriage custom in the ancient Near East. Ruth’s act could be interpreted as a discreet but formal way of asking Boaz to marry her under the levirate marriage tradition, which aimed to preserve a deceased man’s family line. The request to “spread the corner of your garment” (verse 9) further reinforces this idea, symbolizing God's protective covering over His people. The Hebrew word for "corner" can also mean "wing," which has connotations of protection and covenant love (Ezekiel 16:8). This act parallels God's care for Israel (Psalm 91:4) and signifies Ruth’s desire for Boaz to take her as his wife under the guardian-redeemer tradition.
In some biblical passages, feet are associated with authority and possession, such as Joshua 10:24, where placing feet on a conquered king's neck symbolizes dominance. By uncovering Boaz’s feet, Ruth may have been invoking his role as her potential redeemer, asking him to take responsibility for her and Naomi in accordance with Israelite customs.
Ruth’s actions placed her in a vulnerable position, both socially and physically. Some scholars suggest that her approach was a test of Boaz’s character—whether he would act righteously or take advantage of the situation. Boaz’s response (offering protection and ensuring the legal process was followed) demonstrates his integrity and commitment to honoring Ruth in a godly manner.
Some theologians see deeper spiritual symbolism in Ruth’s act, drawing a parallel between her seeking Boaz’s covering and believers seeking refuge under God’s wings. Just as Ruth sought Boaz’s redemption, we are called to seek Christ’s covering and redemption in our own lives.
But regardless of the deeper meaning, naturally, this woke Boaz up at some point during the night (verse 8). Boaz’s reaction further highlights his integrity and righteousness. Boaz does not react with anger or reject her. Instead, he seeks to understand what’s going on in this situation. First, he simply asks who she is (verse 9). While they had interacted while she was gleaning, the more likely reason for this question is simply that it was dark, and Boaz had just woken up, so he did not know who this person was who had uncovered his feet.
Ruth explains who she is and makes her request for Boaz to be her guardian-redeemer. In Israelite society, a guardian-redeemer was responsible for protecting family members and ensuring their welfare. This role could include redeeming a relative from slavery (Leviticus 25:47-49), repurchasing family land that had been sold (Leviticus 25:25), and marrying a deceased relative’s widow to preserve his lineage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10).
Boaz, as a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband Elimelech, had the potential to fulfill this duty, though there was another closer relative with the first right of refusal, as we will discover in the next chapter. But since Ruth and Boaz had interaction while she was gleaning in his field, it makes sense that she approached him first. Ruth’s request was thus both bold and lawful, appealing to Boaz’s role within their family’s legal framework.
But even still, Ruth’s approach to Boaz was an extraordinary act of faith. As a Moabite woman, she was stepping into a foreign culture and placing herself at the mercy of Boaz’s response. Her actions reflect courage, loyalty, and trust. Ruth defies social norms, risking misinterpretation and rejection, especially since she was still a foreigner in this land. Ruth remains faithful and loyal to Naomi, doing what she needed to do to secure a future for them both. Ruth trusted both in what Naomi was telling her to do and in the God of Naomi’s people, who Ruth was accepting as her own.
God was working in this situation, both in Ruth carrying out Naomi’s instructions and in Boaz’s reaction to Ruth. In the next section, we’ll see more about how Boaz handled the situation.
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There is one miracle Jesus did that is recorded in all four Gospels: the feeding of the 5000. I will focus on John’s account here. Each biographer emphasized some details over others, but they all emphasized one thing: a massive crowd of 5000+ men, not including women and children, which likely would have made the crowd upwards of 20,000. Jesus taught them, had compassion on them, and fed them. But then John’s account takes it further. The crowd followed Jesus for a large discourse afterward, and Jesus didn’t give them another bite. He instead told them to stop seeking physical food that would make them hungry again but to seek Him for eternal bread, which the manna of the wilderness was a picture of. As a result, the whole crowd quit following Him, and that ended Jesus’ ministry in the upper parts of Galilee. So what is the deal here, and what was Jesus thinking?
If we know our Biblical history, this crowd was already prepared for Jesus because this was the same region where Jesus healed the demoniac who lived among the tombs and then told him to go tell everyone what Jesus did for him. So when Jesus showed up again, word spread very quickly in the whole region, and this massive crowd gathered around Him. Jesus saw all these people, who were like lost sheep with no shepherd, and He longed that they might be saved. After teaching them, it became clear that there was no food, and it was now becoming a distraction from the teachings. So Jesus, in His compassion, fed them. He only had enough to feed a couple of people at best, but it was enough. Jesus multiplied the food that was enough for maybe two people and fed 20,000 people with plenty of leftovers: twelve baskets full, which would have lasted each disciple a good week or more.
I personally have seen a similar miracle take place on more than one occasion, having grown up on the mission field. It’s always awesome to see. One time in March 2010 stands out the most because I recognized it happening while it was happening. We were at a children’s home on the far outskirts of Juarez, Mexico, and we brought a sloppy joe meal for them: 40 people, including kids, staff, and our team. We had the meat mix for 40, 40 buns, 40 apples, canned corn for 40, 40 plates, 40 napkins, 40 forks, and our standard team “snack box.” We didn’t know that during lunchtime, the community around them came by also, especially noticing that Americans were there. We ended up with double the number of people that we had food for. We chose to feed the people full servings, and our team would sacrifice, just eating from our snack box if necessary. But we just kept serving and serving, and I noticed that more people had gone through the lines than we had food for, and we were like, “God’s doing His thing again.” We were about 10+ miles from the nearest store where we could get any food, not to mention that you can’t just buy our sloppy joe mix, as we had it in our pots. No one left to get more. But in the end, we served over 75 people, served them seconds, and had leftovers.
There were other times when the last bite went to the last person. Back when I was too young and unobservant, my mom described this miracle happening with eyeglasses – every person got their exact prescription down to the last box. So yes, these miracles still happen, and no, we know better than to put God to the test. It only happened when we planned properly, and the crowds were still way above what we could expect. God did not let them go hungry.
Jesus filled that crowd till they were full and then dismissed them. However, the crowd noticed this was going on, too, and they chased Jesus so they could get another meal out of Him. But Jesus put His foot down. He didn’t give them another bite. Jesus was not going to be anyone’s welfare system, a genie that makes food appear at convenience. He did have compassion on them, but He was not going to give anyone a free ride. This miraculous feeding had a much bigger purpose: it’s not what Jesus has to offer that sustains us; it is Jesus Himself that sustains us.
Let’s not forget the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus knows our physical needs. He did not at all dismiss them, but He had a priority: to seek the Lord and to see His Kingdom first and foremost. When we do that, all “these things” – food, water, clothing, shelter – will be provided. They may not be in the form we like, but they will be provided. This is what Jesus was seeking to do with this crowd. He didn’t want them dependent upon Him for handouts. He wanted them dependent upon Him for literally everything. To walk as He walked. To talk as He talked. To love as He loved. To hate as He hated. To think as He thought. And to be obedient to the Father as He was obedient. He wanted these people to make Him the very source and sustenance for every aspect of life. And that was too much for them, so they left.
Then Jesus did a strange thing: He turned to His disciples and asked them if they wanted to go, too. Jesus wasn’t looking for fans. He wasn’t looking for popularity. He was only looking for those who would be dedicated through thick and thin. Jesus took solace in the fact that those who would follow Him would be those the Father selected. And while it grieved Him that so many would perish, He did not let His emotions control Him. He let the Father’s will control Him. So must we in our lives.
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One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”
“I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.
- Ruth 3:1-6
As we start chapter 3 of the book of Ruth, this passage presents a significant turning point in Ruth’s life. To fully grasp the weight of this passage, it is essential to understand the ancient Israelite customs at play. In that patriarchal society, a woman’s security often depended on her connection to a male provider. As widows without male heirs, Naomi and Ruth were particularly vulnerable. Naomi’s plan for Ruth to seek Boaz’s favor was not merely about marriage but about securing redemption through a cultural practice known as levirate marriage and the role of the kinsman-redeemer.
The kinsman-redeemer was a male relative responsible for protecting the interests of needy family members, including marrying the widow of a deceased relative to provide an heir. Boaz, as a relative of Naomi’s late husband Elimelech, was in a position to fulfill this role. However, Ruth’s approach to Boaz is anything but conventional—it is bold, risky, and a leap of faith.
Naomi begins in verse 1 by expressing her desire to find Ruth a permanent home, ensuring her well-being. The Hebrew word for "home" in this verse implies rest and security, not just a house, signifying Naomi’s deep concern for Ruth’s future stability. Despite her own hardships, Naomi prioritizes Ruth’s welfare, reflecting the selfless love that underscores their relationship.
Naomi had previously realized that Boaz was a relative, but in verse 2 she calls him out to Ruth as the potential redeemer. Naomi recognizes the opportunity provided by the threshing floor since the harvest was still going on. The threshing floor is where the valuable grain was separated from the worthless chaff. Men would sleep there overnight to protect their harvest, making it a secluded and strategic setting for Ruth’s approach.
In verse 3, Naomi instructs Ruth to wash, put on perfume, and wear her best clothes. These actions signify more than personal grooming; they symbolize transition. Some scholars suggest that Ruth was signaling the end of her mourning period as a widow, presenting herself as eligible for marriage. This was also, of course, for her to appeal to Boaz during their encounter.
Naomi’s instructions for Ruth to "uncover his feet and lie down" in verse 4 might seem unusual to modern readers. However, in ancient Near Eastern culture, uncovering a person’s feet could symbolize submission and seeking protection. By doing so, Ruth is not seducing Boaz but rather making a humble and clear request for redemption. This act reflects trust in both Naomi’s wisdom and Boaz’s integrity.
Ruth responds, "I will do whatever you say" (verse 5). We don’t see any objection or questioning of Naomi’s intent by Ruth. Her obedience is not blind but rooted in faith—faith in Naomi’s guidance, in Boaz’s character, and in God’s provision.
Ruth follows through with Naomi’s plan in verse 6, stepping into an uncertain situation with courage. Her actions demonstrate initiative, humility, and faith, laying the groundwork for what follows in the rest of the chapter.
Along with continuing the narrative, we see multiple lessons in this passage. Ruth does not passively wait for a redeemer; she steps forward in faith. She trusted Naomi’s plan that it was of God, which demonstrates how we as believers are called to trust God’s provision while actively participating in His plans. It is important to remember that Ruth was still a Moabite “outsider,” but she was learning Israelite customs. She trusted Naomi to guide her correctly, but yet she is courageous in this unconventional approach to Boaz.
Ruth, a Moabite outsider, respects Israelite customs yet courageously challenges traditional gender roles. Her approach to Boaz is unconventional, but it is done with wisdom and respect.
After her initial deep despair in Ruth 1, we see Naomi now full of hope and expectation. She now sees a path forward for herself and her daughter-in-law. Even when life seemed bleak, God was working behind the scenes, guiding their steps.
Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer, foreshadows Christ, who redeems humanity from spiritual destitution. Just as Ruth sought Boaz’s protection, we as believers seek refuge under Christ’s redemption. We know that we are unable to save ourselves, but when we approach Jesus with courage, He is always there as our redeemer.
This passage offers encouragement to trust God in seasons of uncertainty, to act in faith while honoring the wisdom of others, and to recognize that God’s provision often comes through the community He places around us. Just as Ruth found favor with Boaz, believers can rest in the assurance that God, our ultimate Redeemer, provides security and hope beyond our circumstances.
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There is one thing Jesus did that triggered both the general population and the priesthood more than anything else: when He declared Himself to be God. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus gave Himself seven “I am” statements along with one very big “I AM” statement. Here they are:
- I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)
- I am the Light of the World (John 8:12)
- I am the Door (John 10:9)
- I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
- I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
- I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
- I am the Vine (John 15:1,5)
- Before Abraham was, I AM (John 8:58)
Let’s examine each one and discuss why Jesus would say this about Himself, especially at the risk of extreme peril and rejection.
Jesus is the Bread of Life. John 6 opens with the feeding of the 5000 and covers Jesus’ discourse with the people who sought to make Him an automated food machine so they didn’t have to work for their food. He didn’t give them a second bite. He instead told them that their trust sustenance would be Him, His very life. To the Jews, eating any flesh and blood of a human was the ultimate food sin, yet Jesus said we were to eat His flesh and drink His blood. He was speaking of The Lord’s Supper and, of course, His crucifixion, but He is also the Word of God made flesh. And man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Jesus is that word. Jesus wanted us to take no other source of sustenance other than Him.
Jesus is the Light of the World. Jesus is the only source of visibility, knowledge, and understanding. Yes, we have the sun for physical light, and yes, we have education, but they are mere shadows of the true light and true knowledge – Jesus. Jesus is the only one who helps us to see clearly in any circumstance.
Jesus is the Door. Jesus is the only way in. He was speaking about a sheep pen; being the door, He marks and identifies who belongs in the pen and who doesn’t. But this also applies to the door of the Ark of Noah – one door, one way in, one means of salvation. Trying to get in any other way is like a thief trying to sneak in and claim what is not his. Jesus is the only way to salvation.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Jesus is the guardian, protector, and supplier for the sheep. He will beat up the wolves, and He will lead us to the fields and waters to eat in peace. Even when enemies are around, He will prepare a table for us while He protects us. But as the Good Shepherd, He also corrects us and disciplines us so that we may walk with Him instead of going our own way.
Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Jesus is the source of life. He won’t merely bring us to resurrection, He is the resurrection itself. It is in and through Jesus that life is given, taken away, and even given again. Lazarus had died, and Jesus waited intentionally for him to die so that He could perform His final public miracle: raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus did this to demonstrate that physical death, physical sickness, or even the pain of suffering and torture mean nothing to a Christian who has their trust in Jesus because He has the power over it. It does not mean all will be healed physically in this life or there will be no suffering, but it means there is far more with Jesus than this physical life.
Jesus is the Way, Truth, and the Life. Jesus is exclusive. I know that is not a popular thing to say, but there is only one means of salvation and that is through Jesus Christ. He is the way to life. He is the truth, the only standard of reality that is never wrong. He is the life, and those who have Christ have something that no one or nothing else can offer: hope beyond this world. No other religion can do it. No achievement of man can do it. Only Jesus can do it. And the best part about it is we don’t have to do the heavy lifting. All we have to do is follow Him and He takes care of all the details.
Jesus is the Vine. Jesus is the source of life and the power behind all life. We have to rest and trust in Him and stay connected to Him. Otherwise, we are like a dead branch that can do nothing but be a pawn or tool in someone else’s hands. But if we are attached to Jesus, not only will we bear spiritual fruit, but we will have the “goods” to grow. The more we grow, the stronger the attachment to the vine.
Jesus is the I AM. This is the ultimate statement of Jesus’ self-identification where even above His declaration to be one with the Father, here He declared Himself to be the very God who appeared to Moses. And newsflash: He was. It was the Angel of the Lord who appeared to Moses and declared Himself to be the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was Jesus who appeared to Abraham multiple times and it was Jesus who wrestled with Jacob. Jesus is the I AM. He truly could declare Himself to be God because He was the very one who gave Moses that name.
Jesus is everything – quite literally, everything. He is God. Everything is about Him and for Him. He created everything for His glory and His pleasure, and He created us to be able to partake in that love He has. He is the purpose of all things, and we exist to worship Him and to enjoy Him forever. He is to be the center of our thoughts, the source of our sustenance, our go-to, our protection, our provider, our everything. While we have our doctrines and our theologies, every one of them is centered around Jesus. And if we miss Jesus, we miss everything. Don’t miss Him.
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She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough.
Her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!”
Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said.
“The LORD bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers.”
Then Ruth the Moabite said, “He even said to me, ‘Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.’” Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with the women who work for him, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.”
So Ruth stayed close to the women of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.
- Ruth 2:18-23
This section of the narrative of Ruth gives us a turning point in the lives of Ruth and Naomi—two widows struggling to survive in Bethlehem. Ruth's encounter with Boaz is not merely a tale of kindness but an illustration of God’s sovereignty and provision. As Ruth returns from the fields with an abundant harvest, Naomi's grief begins to transform into gratitude.
In verse 18, Ruth returns to Naomi carrying an impressive amount of barley—about an ephah, equivalent to 30 pounds. That amount is a clear indication of Boaz’s generosity, but it also symbolizes the beginning of God's provision for them. Ruth's actions reflect her character: she not only shares what she has gathered but also the leftover food from her meal, showing her deep love and commitment to Naomi.
Naomi's immediate reaction in verse 19 reveals a blend of amazement and curiosity. Her questions are filled with disbelief that such abundance could come from a day’s work – by a young woman, no less. Naomi's blessing, “Blessed be the man who took notice of you,” though initially directed toward a nameless benefactor, hints at a shift from her earlier bitterness. The darkness of Naomi’s lament in Ruth 1:20-21 where she is bitter because of her life’s circumstances is slowly giving way to light.
When Ruth reveals Boaz’s name, Naomi’s reaction in verse 20 is immediate and profound. She recognizes the hand of God in this encounter, acknowledging Boaz not only as a kind man but as a “guardian-redeemer,” also sometimes called a “kinsman redeemer.”
In ancient Israel, a guardian-redeemer was a close relative responsible for protecting family interests—redeeming land, freeing relatives from slavery, and ensuring the family line continued (Leviticus 25:25, Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Naomi's revelation transforms the encounter from mere kindness to a beacon of hope for their future.
In verse 21, Ruth recounts Boaz’s invitation to stay with his workers throughout the harvest. Naomi’s response in verse 22 is both practical and protective, concerned for Ruth’s safety if she were to work for someone else. Her advice underscores the dangers faced by foreign women and reveals Naomi's growing trust in God’s unfolding plan. Her instruction to stay in Boaz’s fields not only ensures Ruth’s physical safety but also keeps her under Boaz’s protection and favor. In a broader sense, it reflects the wisdom of staying within the boundaries of God's provision, where His protection and blessings abound.
We see in verse 23 that Ruth remained in Boaz’s fields throughout both the barley and wheat harvests, which is approximately two to three months. The waiting period between the harvests represents a time of faithfulness in the mundane. Ruth’s commitment to daily gleaning illustrates that sometimes God’s provision is gradual, requiring diligence and patience.
The interactions between Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz are filled with divine orchestration veiled as coincidence. From Ruth "happening" to glean in Boaz's field (Ruth 2:3) to Boaz's unexpected kindness, each step reveals God’s invisible hand guiding their path. What might seem like chance encounters are part of God’s meticulously woven plan. Naomi’s declaration in verse 20 that God “has not stopped showing his kindness” reflects her realization that even in her darkest moments, God’s kindness had never ceased.
The role of Boaz as a guardian-redeemer not only provides immediate hope for Ruth and Naomi but also foreshadows the ultimate redemption story through Jesus Christ. Boaz's willingness to redeem reflects Christ’s willingness to redeem us—outsiders brought into God’s family through grace. Just as Boaz protected and provided for Ruth, Jesus, our redeemer, covers us with His grace, secures our future, and restores what was lost. This parallel invites readers to see the book of Ruth not just as a story of human kindness but as a glimpse into God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
God’s provision often begins in our lowest seasons, through unexpected people and ordinary circumstances. Naomi’s shift from bitterness to recognizing blessing illustrates the transformative power of God’s kindness. Ruth’s faithfulness and Boaz’s generosity foreshadow the redemptive work of Christ, the true redeemer for all of humanity.
As we glean from this passage, may we learn to trust God’s timing, seek His provision, and recognize His hand at work even in the fields of our everyday lives. For in the story of Ruth, we see a God who turns mourning into joy, scarcity into abundance, and strangers into beloved family.
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Twice in Jesus’ ministry, He sent His disciples out to practice proclaiming the message of hope and new life. He gave them the power to teach, to heal, to restore, to drive out demons, and to call for repentance. They likely taught many of Jesus’ parables and very likely pulled from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus did this with His inner 12 disciples and then with an outer group of 70. They came back and reported all great things and rejoiced, and Jesus simply smiled and said, “Rejoice, not that demons are subject to you, but that your name is written in the Book of Life.” What was Jesus’ point and purpose in this mission? Let’s explore.
It has been said that Jesus’ teaching style was akin to this pattern: 1) watch me as I say and do, 2) come with me and say and do as I say and do, 3) now you say and do while I watch, and 4) now you are ready to go on your own and make disciples.
Jesus gave the example and model. While His disciples were very slow to learn and hard of hearing, once they did learn it, they turned the world upside down. Jesus was preparing these disciples to not be dependent upon Jesus’ physical presence but to be dependent upon the Holy Spirit, who would be with them no matter location or circumstance. But they needed practice. Jesus taught many times and demonstrated the power and necessity of prayer and to seek what God was doing rather than what He wanted to do. Now, it was their time to try it out. It worked. Did they have trouble? Sure. Did some towns drive them out? Most likely. But they were able to do what Jesus told them they could do. And Jesus hung back like a proud parent or proud coach.
Jesus picked 12 men and gathered a group of 70 and eventually a total of 120 people who were in His circles. Of the 12, He had a group of three – Peter, James, and John – who were the closest, but Jesus never played favoritism. Even though the disciples often fought over who the greatest was, when the Holy Spirit came, they considered themselves a group of 12 equals. While Peter was the voice or the face, Peter never had leadership over any of the other 12 (which destroys the Roman Catholic claim of apostolic succession to the pope). Jesus explicitly taught that none of them were to have authority over another but to serve each other, and He rebuked all attempts to gain that lordship authority. While they did exercise the authority of an apostle correctly, once they learned the lesson, they never lorded it over others. Peter even submitted to Paul’s rebuke as an equal when he was caught in the sin of favoritism instead of puffing his chest and saying, “I was an original disciple, and you were not.” But Peter and the others did give instruction to new believers, teaching them how to follow Christ, not themselves.
Jesus is not interested in getting converts. He wants disciples. He wants students who want to learn from Him, have a relationship with Him, seek Him, and obey Him. While Jesus is our Lord, He is also our friend. He loves us and is preparing us not just for tasks for this life but also for life in eternity. Everything Jesus teaches us and puts us through is for a bigger and better purpose. He knows how to give it in bite-sized pieces so we can learn the lesson, move on to other things, and then re-learn the same lesson at a deeper level. The cycle keeps going with an ever-growing in sanctification and holiness.
But Jesus doesn’t want people filled with head knowledge alone. He wants people to live that truth and practice it. One of my pet peeves of myself is how intellectually driven I am but putting the truths to practice is difficult. Jesus wasn’t satisfied with His disciples hearing the truth; He wanted them to live and practice it. Just believing the core doctrines of the faith doesn’t save anyone. It is living a life that declares those doctrines to be true to us that saves us. Believing Jesus will save is going to save no one. Grabbing a hold of Jesus and releasing all that in this world is what saves. Declaring your salvation to be found in Christ, but living in adherence to worldly standards and worldly thinking, shows you expect Jesus to save you regardless of your choices, and Jesus has no obligation to do that.
One of the disciples Jesus sent out betrayed Him. One of the disciples who was empowered to teach, cast out demons, heal the sick, and proclaim the Gospel was a devil and became the greatest human villain of all history. There is no other person whom Jesus condemned more than Judas Iscariot, having said it would be better for him not to have been born. Not even Capernaum or Bethsaida, who were condemned more than Nineveh or Sodom, were cursed like this. While we have Jesus’ example here and His sending us out, not all are of us. Not all who go out with us will stay with us because not all are of us. But those who are truly obedient and follow Christ because Christ is worth it will be rewarded and it will be great. As with the 12 and the 70, Jesus is sending us out, even sending us out with fakers. He knows who is who, and even when someone flakes out on us, our eyes should be on Jesus in it all lest we too get pulled out with them.
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At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.”
When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.”
So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah.
- Ruth 2:14-17
In the previous two sections (here and here), we observed the initial dialogue between Boaz and Ruth that was filled with grace, kindness, and humility. Here, we see those themes continue through a meal.
This scene begins at the start of verse 14 with an invitation: “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.” Boaz’s meal invitation to Ruth, a foreigner and a widow, is remarkable. In ancient Israel, social and cultural norms often marginalized women like Ruth. Yet, Boaz’s gesture breaks these barriers, reflecting the heart of God who invites all to His table without discrimination.
This act of kindness is a glimpse of divine hospitality, echoing the inclusive love of Christ, who welcomed sinners and outsiders. The act of sharing bread also foreshadows the Last Supper, where Jesus broke bread with His disciples, symbolizing the fellowship believers share with Him. For Ruth, this was more than a meal; it was a sign of acceptance and belonging. Boaz’s invitation is a picture of God’s grace, which reaches out to those who feel unworthy or outcast. It reminds us that we are all invited to partake in the goodness of God, no matter our past or status.
Then we see that Ruth ate all she wanted, even with some left over. This abundance is significant. In a time of scarcity, Boaz’s generosity ensures that Ruth not only has enough but more than enough. This reflects God’s nature as a provider who not only meets our needs but often blesses us abundantly.
The image of Ruth with leftovers parallels the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6:1-14, where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes, leaving multiple baskets of leftovers. Both instances highlight God’s ability to provide more than we can ask or imagine. God’s blessings are never just enough; they are often overflowing. This challenges us to trust in His provision and to reflect His generosity to others.
As Ruth returns to glean in verses 15-16, Boaz instructs his men to let her continue to work, and even help her by pulling out some extra stalks. This goes beyond the requirements of the law, which allowed gleaning only at the edges of the field. Boaz’s instructions ensure Ruth's dignity is preserved and her efforts rewarded. His protection over Ruth, ensuring she is not harassed or shamed, mirrors God’s protective care over His people. Boaz acts as a kinsman redeemer, a role that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who protects, redeems, and provides for us.
The passage concludes in verse 17 to let the reader know that Ruth worked hard all day, both gleaning and threshing, and her work amounted to an ephah of barley. An ephah is about 30 pounds—an impressive amount for one day’s work. Her willingness to work hard, even when the task was daunting, demonstrates her commitment to provide for Naomi and her trust in God’s provision. Ruth’s actions remind us that faith and works go hand in hand. Her faith led her to Boaz’s field, but her hard work brought in the abundant provision. In the same way, our faith should inspire us to act diligently in whatever God has called us to do.
The kindness Boaz shows Ruth foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Boaz is a type of Christ—the kinsman-redeemer who steps in to rescue, protect, and provide. His actions point to Jesus, who invites all to His table, satisfies our deepest needs, and redeems us from spiritual poverty. Ruth, a Moabite, was an outsider brought into the family of God’s people through Boaz’s grace. Similarly, we, once alienated from God, are brought near through the sacrifice of Jesus (Ephesians 2:12-13).
Just as Boaz extended grace without expecting anything in return, we are called to show kindness without seeking repayment. True grace gives freely, knowing that God rewards every act of love.
Ruth’s faith led her to Boaz’s field—the very place where her needs would be met. In times of uncertainty, we must trust that God knows our needs and will provide at the right time. God often goes above and beyond our expectations, just as Boaz provided more than enough food for Ruth to eat at mealtime and plenty of barley for her to collect.
As this narrative continues to unfold, we see more and more pieces of God’s love and provision for us as His children displayed through the actions of Boaz and Ruth. Sometimes it does take work on our part to be obedient to what God calls us to do, just as Ruth had to work hard that day and was not simply handed her ephah of barley. But God is with us through it all, paving the way for us through His divine guidance.
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How did Jesus handle a question from His cousin, His forerunner, that indicated a shaken faith? When John the Baptist wondered if Jesus was indeed the Messiah or if there was another he should look for, Jesus had a dilemma. He could answer directly and say “Yes,” and the crowd would know He was declaring Himself to be the Messiah. Or He could “humble” Himself and say, “No, I’m not the one” to draw attention away. But Jesus did something else: He said, “Look at the evidence.”
Jesus then gave a tribute to John calling him a prophet who lived the calling of Elijah, and yet he was, for the most part, rejected. When both John and Jesus came, the people thought both were crazy. John was considered a demoniac and crazy because he did not eat or drink as everyone else did. Jesus was considered a drunkard and a glutton because he ate and drank with the people. It didn’t matter what they said, they could not please anyone, nor did they try.
Jesus had the opportunity to prove Himself once for all to the people that He was who He said He was and was given a direct question. And if we have seen anything out of Jesus, He so rarely gave direct answers. He was not going to get caught in a trap to say what He was not going to say. Jesus never answered the question. He never said if He was “the one” or not. He instead explained that the blind see, the deaf hear, the mute speak, the lame walk, the sick are healed, the dead are raised, and the Gospel is being preached. What more could one ask for? All the evidence was right there in front of them. So Jesus didn’t have to say it plainly and clearly. He gave them the evidence and let them decide what they thought about it. These were Jews; they knew their Old Testament, they knew their prophets. This was the moment everyone was waiting for. Jesus simply was saying, “What was prophesied all along?” And then just in case anyone was not sure, Jesus identified John like the prophet Elijah, the one who made the way for Jesus.
Jesus was not into straight answers. He always tended to leave things vague enough so anyone who wanted the truth would come get it and those who didn’t had no reason to chase Him. Jesus so rarely directly answered the Pharisees and here, He didn’t directly answer His own cousin who knew full well who He was. But John realized his time was coming short, and He wanted to be sure he didn’t live his life for nothing. He is asking one last time to confirm if he believed rightly or in vain, because we never hear from John again in the Scriptures. And Jesus doesn’t answer him directly. Why? I believe Jesus knew precisely how John would respond, and He wasn’t going to let the audience know directly either. Jesus, by giving this answer, believed that John would have died with peace knowing he had passed the torch to the one who would complete the mission.
We all have doubts as we go about our lives, but the question is what do we do with them? One of the most frustrating things we tend to get from God is a lack of straight answers. Even though we are honest and genuinely want the answers, we simply do not see Jesus give a straight answer unless He needed to hammer the point down right then and there. And that only happened when Lazarus died and at the Last Supper discourse. Jesus is not into spoon feeding. He is not into just giving everyone the answers. He wants people to think and process and wrestle with things.
I am the kind of person that very easily learns and memorizes things. While there are advantages to such a learning style, there are disadvantages, too. One thing I learned from all my schooling is that the only thing I learned was the facts I was told. I cannot say I truly began understanding things until 10 to 15 years later. I knew physics equations, I knew concepts, but I could only tell you what they were. I could not tell how they truly worked and operated. It took teaching to do that. I look back and I kind of wish I could learn things all over again and take things more seriously than I did in my youth.
With teaching today, the students are so used to being spoon fed, it is near impossible to get them to think. I realize, looking back to my college days, that I didn’t know how to study or learn then either. I want my students to be able to think, process, and reason. It is one of the reasons I love teaching AP Physics, because it forces that level of thinking. But even AP Physics, the hardest of all the AP courses, does not force one to think the way Jesus will make us think and wrestle. In physics, we are dealing with a finite set of laws and concepts, but with Jesus, we are dealing with eternal, spiritual matters from a finite, physical perspective. It’s not easy. These are things that cannot be merely spoon fed. It has to be taught by thinking and training how to think. It won’t come instantly. Jesus did this and practiced this. He taught the indirect way to give pictures that gave clear images of the message, but He forced people to wrestle and think and practice with the truths to truly grasp. Those who wanted the truth would wrestle with it, and those who didn’t would wrestle against it.
God is not afraid of an honest seeker. John the Baptist was an honest seeker. But God does not just give away answers to honest seekers; rather, He gives them evidences and questions that an honest seeker will wrestle with. In that wrestling, the answers will be so much clearer than had they been spoon fed. The answers will be so deeply rooted that they will remain and will be something that you can truly get a good grip on.
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At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me — a foreigner?”
Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband —how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”
- Ruth 2:10-13
In this section of the narrative, we witness an exchange between Ruth and Boaz that not only moves the story forward but also serves as a reflection of God’s unwavering love and provision for His people. We saw their first dialogue in the previous section, where Boaz initially expressed unexpected kindness to Ruth, and that continues here.
In verse 10, Ruth’s immediate response to Boaz’s kindness is striking. She bows with her face to the ground, a posture of deep humility and gratitude. Her question, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” reveals her awareness of her social position as a Moabite in Bethlehem, a place where her status as a foreigner could easily subject her to rejection or abuse.
This moment is significant because it showcases Ruth’s humility. Despite her rights under the Mosaic law to glean in the fields (Leviticus 19:9-10), Ruth does not demand kindness; instead, she receives it with a grateful and humble heart. Her question is not one of entitlement but of genuine wonder at the grace shown to her.
Boaz’s response to Ruth’s question in verse 11 is profound. Rather than addressing her status as a Moabite or a widow, he focuses on her character and the sacrifices she made for Naomi. His words, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law,” reflect a heart that values faithfulness, loyalty, and courage over nationality or past circumstances.
Boaz’s recognition of Ruth’s actions reveals an essential truth: God often works through those who, despite their marginalized status, display extraordinary faith and commitment. Boaz, a man of standing in Bethlehem, sees Ruth not as a foreigner but as a woman of noble character. This perspective mirrors how God sees us—not defined by our past or where we come from but by our faith and the condition of our hearts.
Boaz’s blessing over Ruth in verse 12 is powerful: “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” The imagery of taking refuge under God’s wings evokes a sense of safety, warmth, and divine protection, echoing passages like Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” Boaz acknowledges that Ruth’s journey to Bethlehem was more than an act of loyalty—it was a step of faith, trusting in the God of Israel for provision and protection.
This blessing is also prophetic. Ruth, who came to Bethlehem empty, would soon be filled beyond measure—not just with grain but with a new family, a legacy, and a place in the lineage of King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ. It highlights a profound truth: God sees the sacrifices made in faith and rewards them abundantly, often in ways far beyond our expectations.
Ruth’s reply to Boaz in verse 13 is both gracious and humble: “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.” Despite Boaz’s words of honor and blessing, Ruth maintains a posture of humility. She acknowledges her unworthiness not as self-deprecation but as an honest assessment of her status compared to Boaz’s other servants. Her gratitude for Boaz’s kindness reveals a heart at rest, one that has found peace in the face of uncertainty.
This interaction paints a beautiful picture of grace. Boaz’s kindness and Ruth’s humble reception of it reflect how God’s grace works in our lives—freely given and gratefully received. Ruth’s willingness to accept Boaz’s kindness also emphasizes the importance of embracing the grace extended to us by God and others, rather than pushing it away out of a sense of unworthiness.
Ruth’s humility made her receptive to Boaz’s kindness, much like how a humble heart opens us to God’s grace. In return, Boaz’s actions reflect God’s care for Ruth, showing how God often provides for us through others. He recognized Ruth’s loyalty, showing how he valued her character.
Just as Boaz extended kindness to Ruth without regard for her status, we are called to show unconditional love to others. In turn, when that love is shown to us, we should humbly accept it and not become entitled, expecting others to love in that way.
The interaction between Ruth and Boaz is a living illustration of God’s redemptive love. Ruth’s journey from being a foreigner gleaning in the fields to becoming part of the lineage of Christ shows the transformative power of grace and faith. Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, foreshadows Christ, who redeems us despite our unworthiness.
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There is an account in the Gospels where Jesus is pressed with urgency to heal someone on the verge of death only to be interrupted by a desperate woman who knew Jesus could heal when all else could fail. I am talking about the account of the raising of Jairus’ daughter and the healing of the woman who had been dealing with bleeding hemorrhages for 12 years.
Jesus never needed to actually go see Jairus’ daughter because all He had to do was speak the word and it would be done. However, Jairus didn’t think about that. He just knew his daughter was sick, dying, and Jesus could heal her. So Jesus went, but there was urgency and the crowd realized Jesus was in the area. Everyone else was looking for their miracle as well, and Jesus and His disciples had to push through a desperate and pressing crowd, each trying to get their hands on Jesus. We don’t know how big this crowd was, but even a hundred will seem like a lot very quickly when they are pushing to get their moment with Jesus.
In the middle of this, a woman who had been dealing with bleeding believed she just needed to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, and she would be healed. She knew she would not get any direct time with Jesus with this crowd, especially while He was on an urgent mission. She only needed to touch His garment, and she fought through the crowd and somehow got close enough to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment – just the edge of it, or perhaps the tassels attached. And the moment she gripped it, Jesus stopped. He felt power come out of Him. Someone touched Him with genuine faith. Jesus spoke with her, pointing out she had been healed, and gave her peace.
Then Jesus resumed His urgent mission only to find out the girl didn’t make it. Jairus’ daughter died, and the professional mourners were already present. (They had professional mourners who would come to professionally cry when people would pass away. That’s not true mourning over a loss.) Jesus knew none of the people there would believe Him, and when He said she was merely sleeping, they all laughed. So He cleared them all out, and He took the parents and Peter, James, and John to see the girl before raising her back to life. And all five who were present knew full well the severe consequences of what would happen if news of Jesus raising someone back from the dead got out. So they didn’t speak about it until after Jesus Himself rose from the dead.
Why did Jesus do what He did here? Jesus knew of the urgency of the situation and was moving through the crowd, not heeding them but not rejecting them either. Just getting to an urgent situation. Then He was interrupted. Someone touched Him that drew power out of Him. Again, Jesus knew the situation with Jairus’ daughter was urgent, but the interruption did not bother Him. The woman with the bleeding was not an annoyance to Him. It did not stop Him from His mission; the girl was likely already dead by the time Jairus got to Jesus.
Jesus had compassion on the woman who demonstrated true faith and let her take some of His time. He still had the mission in mind, but He did not operate on a human clock or calendar. Jesus had God’s will in mind as His priority, not the “mission.” And God saw a daughter coming to the throne pleading for mercy. He set aside all things to deal with His daughter. Jesus did what His Father did.
But then at Jairus’ house, Jesus had to clear everyone out and tell them that the girl was asleep, not dead. Was Jesus lying to keep this miracle on the down-low for a while? No. Jesus also had eternity in His mind and said a similar thing about Lazarus as well. To fall asleep was a commonly used euphemism for death, while thinking of the resurrection to come. Paul used that phrase as well when describing some of the 500 witnesses of the resurrection of Christ. But Jesus didn’t want to create a bigger ruckus than He already had by raising the dead. He’d never get a moment’s peace if that happened. This is why Jesus forbade His core three disciples and Jairus from saying anything that the girl was actually dead. This girl would be one of three people Jesus raised from the dead. The other two were the son of the widow from Nain and of course Lazarus.
Can we be interrupted from doing a mission God called us to that also fits in God’s will? I am reminded of Otto Koning, whom I heard from by Eric Ludy in one of his sermons, “Fixing Broken Pots” (the online link is no longer available for this sermon). Koning was a missionary to Ira Jaya/Papua New Guinea, and he had a tall task to learn the language, put it into writing, and then translate the Gospel of John for these tribes. But he has a problem: he had tools, and people would come to him time and time again to fix broken pots, bent shovels, and other things. It really frustrated him, until God finally got through to him that his mission was to serve the people and the translation process would come in due time. When the mission board came, he was scared to death he would be sent home, but it turned out he was ahead of any projection by about ten years. Ludy uses this as a framework for preaching on how we should handle interruptions, describing his life as a pastor while dealing with newly adopted toddlers.
Interruptions are definite inconveniences. Yet the Christian is supposed to be built to not just handle such inconveniences, but they should make us glad in helping people with their inconvenient requests. Yes, that’s a stab in the heart to me too. I’m a hyper-focused type of guy, where once I get on my task and lock in, do not interrupt me. Though as a side note, there was one time no one dared to interrupt Jesus: when He was praying. No one touched that holy ground. That said, Jesus was interrupted by a woman who would not let go of her Savior until she got what she needed, and He loved that she did. May we learn from Jesus in handling interruptions and then going to the task at hand, no matter how it turned during those interruptions.
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Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, "The LORD be with you!"
"The LORD bless you!" they answered.
Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, "Who does that young woman belong to?”
The overseer replied, "She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi. She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter."
So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled."
- Ruth 2:4-9
This passage captures the first recorded interaction between Boaz and Ruth, setting the stage for the unfolding story of grace and redemption. This interaction reveals both Boaz’s character and Ruth’s humility and diligence.
Boaz’s arrival in verse 4 is marked by his greeting to the harvesters: "The Lord be with you!” This greeting is significant because it demonstrates his faith and leadership. Unlike many landowners who might have been harsh or indifferent toward their workers, Boaz sets the tone of his management with a blessing, reflecting a culture of kindness and respect. His workers’ response, "The Lord bless you!” indicates that he had cultivated an atmosphere of mutual honor and faith.
Boaz represents a godly man who acknowledges God’s presence in every aspect of life, including his business dealings. His leadership stands in stark contrast to the chaotic period of the Judges, when "everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). His righteous character makes him a fitting instrument for God’s plan of redemption.
Boaz quickly notices Ruth and inquires about her identity in verse 5. His question, "Who does that young woman belong to?” may sound possessive in modern terms, but in the cultural context of ancient Israel, it was a legitimate inquiry about her status—whether she was married, a servant, or under someone’s care.
The overseer’s response in verses 6-7 identifies Ruth as "the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi.” This description highlights Ruth’s foreign identity, which could have led to discrimination. However, the overseer also commends Ruth’s work ethic, mentioning that she had been working diligently since morning with only a short rest. This portrayal underscores Ruth’s character—she is not passive but actively seeking to provide for herself and Naomi.
Boaz then addresses Ruth directly in verses 8-9, and his first words to her are filled with kindness and generosity.
"My daughter, listen to me.” Boaz’s address of Ruth as “my daughter” is significant, as it suggests a protective and caring attitude rather than one of mere obligation. This term reflects both social and spiritual inclusion of Ruth despite her status as a foreigner.
“Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here.” This command shows that Boaz is not only offering Ruth a place to glean but ensuring she stays within the safety of his fields. Gleaning in another field could expose her to danger, as women were vulnerable to harassment in that time.
“Stay here with the women who work for me.” This provides Ruth with a sense of community and belonging. Rather than being isolated as a foreigner, she is encouraged to be part of a group, ensuring her safety and dignity and helping her to build relationships in this new land she now calls home.
“I have told the men not to lay a hand on you.” This directive emphasizes Boaz’s awareness of potential dangers and his proactive effort to protect Ruth. His leadership ensures that she is not subjected to mistreatment.
“And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” In the cultural context, gleaners—especially foreign women—would typically have no right to drink from the same water jars as the workers. By offering Ruth access to this water, Boaz is extending extraordinary grace, treating her as more than just a destitute gleaner.
Boaz’s actions reflect the character of Jesus, who invites the outcast, provides for the needy, and ensures the safety of His people. Just as Boaz extends undeserved favor to Ruth, Christ extends grace to all who seek refuge in Him. Boaz models what it means to be a godly leader—one who protects, provides, and blesses those under his care. His actions remind us of our responsibility to extend kindness to the vulnerable in society.
For her part, Ruth exemplifies the attitude of a believer who, despite her hardships, continues to work hard and seek provision. She does not demand assistance but humbly receives the grace extended to her.
As I wrote about last week, Ruth’s arrival at Boaz’s field was not mere coincidence but divine orchestration. In the same way, God often works through ordinary events to bring about His greater plans. This initial dialogue between Boaz and Ruth starts to set the stage for the redemption we will see as the narrative unfolds.
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Jesus demonstrated some impressive control over things no human had ever done before. Elijah had commanded rain to not fall until he spoke another word, and Moses had called for hail to fall, but in two instances, Jesus demonstrated a control over nature that was above that. There were two specific times that Jesus calmed a storm over the Sea of Galilee. In one instance, Jesus fell asleep on the boat despite the storm. In the second, Jesus came to the disciples in the storm by walking on water. Jesus had much more to say on these matters than merely calming a storm and shocking the disciples to wonder, “Who is this man?” Let’s explore what we can see about Jesus’ intentions in these two instances.
In the first case, Jesus was tired and fell asleep in the boat. This wasn’t a normal ship but more like a rowboat. It was small enough that fishermen could throw out their nets and pull up the nets by hand, rather than by a crane. Those were the typical type of boats that could carry a dozen men or so across the sea. The Sea of Galilee was small enough that a professional swimmer could swim across, and boats were often available for rent to get from one side to another. This storm wasn’t a kind of storm that would sink a full vessel, but these rental boats would certainly be a concern. The storm was severe enough that experienced fishermen did believe they would die unless something happened. And Jesus was sleeping.
How could the man who had turned water to wine, healed lepers, made the lame walk, and confronted the overbearing religious leaders of the day be sleeping when His life was on the line, too? Take notice that the disciples didn’t ask Jesus if He wanted to live. They asked Him if He cared if they lived. Yeah, we would not have been much different. Jesus was tired and He took a nap – in a boat when rain and water were splashing all over the boat, likely soaking Him. How could He sleep through that anyway? Jesus would have been disturbed from sleep like any normal person in His physical body. Finally, He woke up, rebuked the storm, and looked at His disciples with a “Why did you disturb me for that?” kind of a look. Did they not know that as long as Jesus was with them, they were practically invincible to the things of nature or the world? That was Jesus’ mindset. Because He was with them, a silly storm wasn’t going to take Him down. He was on a mission from God, and a storm wasn’t going to get in the way of it.
This reminds me of an account of Hudson Taylor on his way to China, where he would spend the bulk of his life starting China Inland Missions. On the way, the ship got disabled as it was relying on the currents and the winds, and the current path was directing the ship towards an island of cannibals. They were building their fires to get ready for a feast. Taylor spoke up and said, “Have you considered praying?” He knew he was called to China, and that mission was not going to be cut short by a shipwreck on an island of cannibals. He prayed, and the winds turned to send the ship back on proper course.
This is also like Paul’s shipwreck of Acts 27. He knew he was being sent to Rome, and despite the crew refusing to hear his wisdom to not sail and winter early on, they chose to go. A 2+ week storm crash landed them to Malta where they would winter anyway. But Paul was not scared of the storm. He wasn’t even concerned about a viper that bit him. Paul had the same mentality as Jesus. Jesus was on a mission from God and a storm wasn’t going to stop Him. He wanted His disciples to learn the same thing. They didn’t learn it for a while, but as showcased by Paul and many since, many believers have learned it. As long as you are on God’s mission, you will not be touched, no matter what comes your way.
Jesus took control of another weather situation in which He walked on water. When Peter realized it was Jesus, he asked to come join Him on the lake. I can picture Jesus thinking maybe Peter finally got the message from the previous storm, but then Peter started looking at the waves and began to sink. Jesus had to save him and then calmed the storm. But think about how it wasn’t just Jesus walking on water; Peter did, too. And Jesus didn’t congratulate Peter for stepping out; He rebuked him for doubting. Yet, Jesus saw in Peter what no one else would have seen: the leader and anchor that he would become as the voice of the Apostles. Jesus saw that confidence growing in Peter, but He also knew that much of it was driven by the flesh. He gave Peter that chance and, despite knowing Peter would fail, He still showed that those who trusted in Him would be doing wonders beyond human comprehension. It would be Peter who performed the first miracle by the Apostles after Pentecost by healing a cripple, and it would be Peter who specifically requested to be crucified upside down, a more painful death, so that he would not be done in like his Savior.
Jesus controls all our situations and any storm we face. If we are on God’s mission, no storm is going to take us down. If we set our eyes on Jesus, while we may not literally walk on water, we will do wonders that the natural minds of our day could not conceive. Jesus wants us to have such confidence in Him that we could lie beside Him and take a nap in the middle of a storm, knowing God will protect us. (Note, I am NOT saying to be presumptuous by any means, but for when we know we are in the center of God’s will.) He wants us to trust Him to the point of getting out of our safety net and walking on water with Him. And all it takes is for us to not look at our circumstances and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Let Him deal with the storm, and He will silence it. The winds and waves obey Jesus; why would our circumstances be any different?
This forum is meant to foster discussion and allow for differing viewpoints to be explored with equal and respectful consideration. All comments are moderated and any foul language or threatening/abusive comments will not be approved. Users who engage in threatening or abusive comments which are physically harmful in nature will be reported to the authorities.
