Women in the lineage of Jesus

Ruth - ancestral mother of our Redeemer

Dive in and Read: Ruth 1 - 4; Matthew 1:5

Opening prayer: [Eph 1:7-8, 17 NIV] 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ... 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

Discover: Matthew lists five women in the lineage of Jesus Christ in chapter 1. As we study these amazing women together, may we see no matter how we view ourselves, Jesus redeems our stories and they become part of His. Let’s continue with Ruth.

Ruth is listed in Matthew 1:5 as the wife of Boaz; mother of Obed-she’s King David’s great grandmother. As you re-read her story, explore it from the lens of a family needing to be redeemed. Ruth was born and lived in a region southeast of the Dead Sea known as Moab - a sworn enemy of Israel (See Numbers 22 when the King tried to curse them). 

In an ancient patriarchal culture, women were mostly seen as property and relied on their family for provision, protection and purpose especially through the children they birthed, namely male offspring. Women were indebted to their father and then once married their husband. Ruth finds herself in extreme debt because of who she married-an Israelite man from the line of Judah. Naomi finds herself in extreme debt because of who she married. Due to family deaths, neither has a husband, neither has an inheritance (son), and neither can own the land that belongs to their family. According to their culture, they are unable to redeem or pay off their debt themselves. That is until Naomi introduces Ruth to an Israelite male relative named Boaz. Ruth becomes Naomi’s way of redeeming her family, her land and her inheritance through Boaz! Ruth is a female ancestor of our Redeemer, Jesus. Amazingly, God invites a Moabite - a female foreigner or immigrant into His story!  

At our Redeemer’s birth, He is given the name “to save.” [Mat 1:21 NASB20] 21 "She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Our story is Ruth and Naomi’s story. We are in extreme debt and are unable to redeem ourselves. Until Jesus invites us into His family and gives us His protection, provision and a purpose. Jesus covers our debts and redeems us. Our Redeemer lives!

Deeper Connection: To what extent does Ruth’s trust in Yahweh get depicted in her story? Why do you suppose she does not get mentioned in James or Hebrews list of great characters of faith? How does viewing Jesus as someone who descended from Moab change the way you see Him? (Especially in light of Deuteronomy 23:3!) Who are the characters in your story who might be overlooked and how has God used them in your life? 

Closing prayer:
 Sing and Worship our Redeemer!

Hallelujah!

He lives to take away my shame

And he lives forever I'll proclaim

That the payment for my sin

Was the precious life He gave

But now he's alive and there's an empty grave

And I know my redeemer, he lives

I know my redeemer lives

Let all creation testify

Let this life within me cry

I know my redeemer

Amen and AMEN