Finding Peace Through Our Kinsman Redeemer: Lessons from Ruth and Christmas

The Christmas season brings many beautiful themes to mind – hope, joy, peace, and love. Today we’re exploring the profound connection between the Old Testament story of Ruth and the Christmas narrative, particularly focusing on how Jesus serves as our ultimate kinsman redeemer and the peace that comes through His redemption.

What is a Kinsman Redeemer?

In Old Testament times, a kinsman redeemer was a close relative who had both the right and responsibility to step into desperate family situations and provide redemption. This wasn’t just a nice gesture – it was a sacred duty with specific applications.

Three Key Responsibilities of a Kinsman Redeemer

The Old Testament outlines three main situations where a kinsman redeemer would intervene:
Land Redemption: When a family member became poor and had to sell their inherited land, the kinsman redeemer would buy it back to restore their birthright (Leviticus 25).
Freedom from Slavery: If someone sold themselves into slavery to pay debts, a kinsman redeemer could purchase their freedom (Leviticus 25).
Lineage Preservation: When a man died without children, his brother or close relative would marry the widow to continue the family line (Deuteronomy 25).

Ruth’s Desperate Situation

Ruth and Naomi found themselves in a precarious position. After seven weeks of harvest, their immediate food crisis was resolved – Ruth had gleaned enough grain to last about a year. But a deeper problem remained: the family lineage was in jeopardy.

Naomi’s Risky Plan

Desperate times called for desperate measures. Naomi devised a plan that was both scandalous and dangerous. She instructed Ruth to approach Boaz at night on the threshing floor, after he had been eating and drinking, and to lie at his feet asking for his covering as a kinsman redeemer.
This was an incredibly vulnerable position for Ruth. She was approaching a man who had been drinking, alone in the dark. If Boaz hadn’t been a righteous man, this could have ended in disaster – either through assault or public shame that could have led to her death.

Boaz: A Picture of Righteousness

When Boaz awakened to find Ruth at his feet, his response revealed his character. Instead of taking advantage of the situation, he honored her request and committed to doing the right thing. He acknowledged there was another relative with a closer claim, but promised that if that person wouldn’t fulfill the role, he would.

When People Do the Next Right Thing

The beautiful picture we see is both Boaz and Ruth consistently choosing to do the next right thing. This pattern of righteousness leads directly to the lineage that would eventually produce King David and ultimately Jesus Christ.

How Does This Connect to Christmas?

Jesus as Our Ultimate Kinsman Redeemer

Just as Ruth was trapped in a desperate situation she couldn’t escape, we find ourselves prisoners to sin. Scripture tells us that “everything is locked up under the control of sin” (Galatians 3:22). We were exiled from God, unable to help ourselves, desperately in need of a Savior.
Jesus becomes our kinsman redeemer by taking on human flesh – becoming “kin” to us so He could redeem us. When “the set time had fully come, God sent his son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5).

Jesus Addresses All Three Areas of Redemption

Land Restoration: What was lost in the fall – our dominion and inheritance – is restored through Christ.
Freedom from Slavery: We were slaves to sin, but Jesus purchases our freedom with His life.
Family Adoption: We become children of God and part of His family, with Jesus as the bridegroom and the church as His bride.

The Cost of Redemption

Unlike earthly kinsman redeemers who might hesitate due to cost, Jesus willingly paid the ultimate price. “Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Christmas isn’t just about a baby in a manger – it’s about the most amazing redeemer of all time stepping into our desperate situation with mercy, strength, and sacrificial love.

Peace With God, Peace of God

Understanding True Peace

Because of what Jesus accomplished as our kinsman redeemer, we can experience three levels of peace:
Peace with God: Our separation from God due to sin is resolved through Christ’s redemption.
Peace of God: Once reconciled to God, we can experience His peace in our daily circumstances.
Peace with Others: As we experience God’s peace, we can extend that peace in our relationships.

Emmanuel – God With Us

The concept of Emmanuel – God with us – is central to experiencing peace. Knowing that God is present with us allows us to rest in His peace regardless of our circumstances. Peace isn’t dependent on perfect situations but on the presence of our Redeemer.

The Choice to Be Redeemed

Here’s the crucial point: Boaz could only redeem Ruth because she asked him to. Similarly, Jesus offers redemption to all, but it must be received. Redemption is offered freely, but it needs to be accepted personally. Just as Ruth placed herself vulnerably at Boaz’s feet, trusting in his character and compassion, we must come to Jesus – empty, broken, unable to fix ourselves – and ask Him to be our Savior and Redeemer.

Life Application

This week, reflect on the incredible truth that Jesus is your kinsman redeemer. If you’ve never asked Jesus to be your Savior, don’t wait – place yourself at His feet and ask Him to redeem you. If you’re already a believer, spend time thanking Him for the costly redemption He provided and ask Him to help you experience His peace more fully in your daily life.

Consider these questions as you apply this truth:

In what areas of your life do you need to experience more of God’s peace?
How can you better trust in Jesus as your kinsman redeemer when facing difficult circumstances?
Are there relationships where you need to extend the peace you’ve received from God?
What would it look like to consistently “do the next right thing” in your current situation?

Remember, the best decision you will ever make is saying yes to Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He has done everything necessary for your redemption – the question is whether you will receive it.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.