Kinsman Redeemer Explained
One of the most powerful and vivid pictures of redemption in the Bible is found in the story of Ruth and Boaz. This remarkable narrative illustrates a profound spiritual truth: Jesus Christ is our Kinsman Redeemer. To fully grasp this beautiful metaphor, let’s step back into Ruth's story and unpack how Boaz's act of redemption foreshadows the greater redemption we receive through Jesus Christ.
Understanding the Kinsman Redeemer
In ancient Israelite culture, a "kinsman redeemer" (Hebrew: "goel") was a close relative responsible for rescuing family members who fell into difficult circumstances, such as poverty or slavery. This was not merely an act of charity; it was a legally defined obligation that served to protect and restore individuals and families in crisis.
In the Book of Ruth, we meet Naomi, a widow who loses both her sons, and her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth. Left destitute and vulnerable, their situation is dire. Yet, hope appears in Boaz, a close relative who has both the means and the willingness to redeem Ruth and Naomi by marrying Ruth and restoring their family lineage.
Ruth, Boaz, and the Act of Redemption
Ruth and Naomi returned to Bethlehem with nothing. Ruth gleans in the fields, dependent entirely on the mercy of landowners. Boaz notices Ruth's character, kindness, and devotion, and moved with compassion, he steps forward as a kinsman redeemer. Boaz does three significant things:
Restores Family Lineage: By marrying Ruth, Boaz redeems their family heritage and lineage, giving them a secure future.
Reclaims Land: He legally purchases Naomi's family land, which had been lost, restoring their inheritance.
Offers Protection: He provides protection and security, bringing Ruth from poverty into prosperity and safety.
Boaz was uniquely positioned as both willing and able—a perfect picture of what Jesus does for us.
Jesus, Our Ultimate Kinsman Redeemer
The redemption we see in Ruth’s story paints a vivid portrait of a much larger spiritual reality. Humanity, due to sin, became spiritually destitute—unable to rescue ourselves from our debts. Sin robbed humanity of three critical things: spiritual life, physical life, and the dominion God originally gave mankind over the earth (Genesis 1:26).
Jesus, much like Boaz, stepped into our story, willingly becoming our close relative. The Apostle Paul describes this beautifully:
“[Jesus] emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” – Philippians 2:7 (ESV)
In becoming human, Jesus positioned Himself legally and spiritually to redeem humanity. He alone was qualified, able, and willing to redeem us. Just as Boaz legally redeemed Ruth, Jesus legally redeems us through His death and resurrection.
How Did Jesus Redeem Us?
He Purchased Us: Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus paid the debt we owed because of sin, legally freeing us from bondage (Ephesians 1:7).
He Restored Our Spiritual Life: The moment we accept Jesus, our spiritual life is restored, and we are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).
He Will Restore Our Physical Bodies: One day, believers will experience the ultimate redemption—receiving glorified bodies, fully restored from the curse of sin (1 Corinthians 15:54).
He Will Restore Earth’s Dominion: Jesus will reclaim full dominion over the earth at His second coming, as symbolized by the breaking of the seven seals in Revelation 5. The scroll in God’s hand represents the title deed to Earth, and only Jesus is worthy to open it and fully restore all creation.
The Worthiness of Jesus
In Revelation 5, John witnesses a powerful scene in heaven—a scroll sealed with seven seals representing the title deed of Earth. Initially, no one appears worthy to open it, causing John profound despair. But then, Jesus emerges—the Lamb who was slain—uniquely worthy to open the scroll because He fulfilled every legal and spiritual requirement as our Kinsman Redeemer.
Why is Jesus uniquely worthy? Because He alone balanced the scales of justice. On one side, our sin weighed us down, deserving judgment. On the other, Jesus placed His perfect life and sacrifice, balancing and redeeming us completely.
Why This Matters to You Today
You might be experiencing circumstances that feel overwhelming, causing you to wonder if God truly sees or cares about your situation. The story of Jesus, your Kinsman Redeemer, assures you that He deeply cares. If He was willing to step down from heaven, live among humanity, endure suffering, and offer His life as a sacrifice, He is undoubtedly committed to walking with you through every difficulty you face today.
The same compassion Boaz showed Ruth mirrors how deeply Jesus cares for your life. He is committed to restoring, protecting, and securing your future. You are not forgotten or forsaken—Jesus knows your every step, thought, and feeling. He invites you to trust Him fully because He is your Redeemer who legally, lovingly, and eternally holds your life secure.
As you reflect on the powerful story of Ruth and Boaz, let it draw your heart closer to Jesus, our perfect Kinsman Redeemer, whose love and redemption restore all that was lost and broken.