I recently had the honor of working with a family from Ukraine to write their incredible story. Their book Protected by Providence documents how God worked through generations to save and sustain His beloved. As I wrote, I referred often to their family tree, tracing the gospel influence from generation to generation.
We end our study of Ruth by reflecting on the opening verses of the Gospel of Matthew. Notice that Matthew begins with a genealogy—a family tree of sorts. While some may not find it the most arresting introduction, his original readers would have understood this as a foundational declaration of Jesus’ identity and legitimacy.
Verse 1 reads like a title or summary: “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Matthew presented Jesus as the fulfillment of the hopes and prophecies of Israel. Through David, Jesus was connected to the kingship. Through Abraham, He continued the covenantal blessing. And as the Messiah, He would bring God’s salvation to the Jews and Gentiles.
In the first section (vv. 3–6), several names are familiar from our study of Ruth. In fact, verses 3–6 are an exact replica of Ruth 4:18–22, tracing the family line from Perez to David. Interestingly and unusually, this genealogy also includes five women: Tamar (v. 3), Rahab (v. 5), Ruth (v. 5), Bathsheba or “Uriah’s wife” (v. 6), and finally Mary (v. 16). Each of these women had been marginalized by society yet were honored and given value by their mention here.
Matthew’s inclusion of Ruth is a powerful theological statement. God’s salvation is available to all who believe. His grace reaches beyond ethnic and societal boundaries. Ruth’s position in Jesus’ family tree is another testament to the hesed love of God. He loved Ruth, and He loves us.
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Pray with Us
Lord, as we conclude our journey through the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, help us remember what we learned about Your character along the way. Thank You for Your hesed love that enables us to love You. Amen!
Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.2 Samuel 7:16
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