The Beautiful Picture of Jesus Hidden in the Book of Ruth
When most people read the book of Ruth, they see a beautiful love story. While it certainly is that, it is also something much greater. Ruth is one of the clearest pictures of the gospel found anywhere in the Old Testament.
At the center of the story is a man named Boaz, described as a kinsman-redeemer. To understand why Boaz matters, we first need to understand what a kinsman-redeemer was.
What Was a Kinsman-Redeemer?
In ancient Israel, God established laws to protect families from permanent loss and poverty. If someone lost their land, fell into debt, or died without an heir, a close relative could step in to redeem what had been lost.
This person was called the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: go'el, גֹּאֵל), meaning "redeemer" or "one who buys back."
A kinsman-redeemer could:
- Redeem family property.
- Redeem a relative from slavery.
- Marry a widow to preserve the family line.
- Restore what had been lost.
God designed this role to demonstrate His heart for restoration and redemption.
How Did Boaz Fulfill This Role?
Naomi returned to Bethlehem having lost her husband, her sons, and her security. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, chose to remain with her, but the two widows had no means of providing for themselves.
Boaz entered the story as a close relative of Naomi's family. He protected Ruth, provided for her, and eventually redeemed the family's land by marrying Ruth.
Boaz did far more than perform a legal duty. He showed kindness, generosity, and sacrificial love, restoring hope where there had only been loss.
How Does Boaz Point to Jesus?
Boaz is a beautiful picture of Christ because he willingly became the redeemer.
Like Boaz, Jesus became our near relative by taking on human flesh (Hebrews 2:14-17). He alone had the right to redeem us, the willingness to redeem us, and the ability to pay the price our redemption required.
Boaz redeemed a family.
Jesus redeems the world.
Boaz paid with his wealth.
Jesus paid with His own blood.
Boaz restored an inheritance.
Jesus gives us an eternal inheritance that can never perish or fade.
The Qualifications of a Kinsman-Redeemer
As you read Ruth, notice that Boaz met every qualification required of a redeemer:
- He was a close relative.
- He had the legal right to redeem.
- He possessed the resources to pay the price.
- He was willing to redeem.
Jesus fulfills these qualifications perfectly.
He became one of us through the incarnation.
He alone was without sin.
He willingly laid down His life.
He paid the price in full.
No one else could accomplish what only Christ could do.
A Story of Redemption
The book of Ruth is not ultimately about romance.
It is about redemption.
Long before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God was weaving His story through an ordinary family, preserving the lineage that would one day bring forth the Messiah.
The final verses of Ruth trace the genealogy from Boaz and Ruth to King David. Matthew's Gospel picks up that same genealogy and continues it all the way to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-16).
The story that began with famine and grief ends with redemption and hope because it points us to the One who would redeem all who place their faith in Him.
Bible Study Corner Reflection
As you read Ruth, don't simply admire Boaz.
Look beyond him.
Every act of kindness, every step of redemption, and every sacrifice points to the greater Boaz- Jesus Christ.
He saw us in our helplessness, paid the price we could never pay, restored what sin had stolen, and welcomed us into His family forever.