The Turn Around

As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Lk.21:1-4)

Jesus had to face skeptics, traditionalists and opponents. They challenged His claims and His authority. The question that plagued them all was “who is Jesus?” Is He really the Messiah from God or just another guru?

Pre-existent God

Jesus made it clear that He was the very God, who was before the creation. He pre-existed all their great patriarchs and forefathers. God promised that the throne of David will be for ever and the Messianic King will reign from that throne. Jesus was the son of David but is He the Messianic King?

Who is Jesus? This is the question, not just the Jews, but every human being has to face. Is He just another religious teacher or the Savior from God. Our answer to this question determines our destiny. It will also alter the course of our lives.

Transformed Lives

Once convinced about the Deity of Jesus Christ and committed to His Lordship our lives will take a ‘U’ turn. Our motives and intentions change drastically. Personal agenda will take the back seat and unlike the religionists of Jesus’ day we will shun publicity and self promotion.

Like the widow who offered the two coins, our lifestyle will reflect our devotion to God. It is not how much we offer to God but how much we keep for ourselves that counts. Honoring God is expensive affair. We must be prepared to give up and give away for the sake of honoring God. Our devotion must be visible to Jesus rather than to people.

Researching to Refute

The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be honest. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Lk.20:19-22)

There were (and there are) people who denied the deity of Jesus and rejected His authority. Some do it directly and others masquerade. They have tried in vain to disprove His claims.

Jesus’ Authority

Jesus always taught with authority unlike the religious teachers. He had authority over life and death since He was the author of life. His words provoked His enemies to anger and hatred. They wanted to eliminate Him and tried to trap Him in their wisdom. The Scripture says, God traps the wise in their wisdom (1Cor.3:19).

Jesus has influenced more lives than any other person, government or authority in history. The self-righteous religious leaders of His day were annoyed by the increasing influence of Jesus and their own diminishing hold on the people. Jesus exposed the hypocrisy and untruthful life of these leaders. However, He recognized the political systems and governments and advocated paying our dues to the authorities.

Critics’ Ignorance

Enemies come with tricky questions to trap Jesus. He reveals their ignorance about the things of God and silences them. Followers of Jesus face the same situation and God empowers them with His Word and wisdom to face these challenges. Man can never thwart the purposes of God and the advancement of God’s kingdom.

The Redeemer Who Fulfilled God’s Law

(Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel.) So the kinsman-redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it yourself.” And he removed his sandal. Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from the town records. Today you are witnesses!” (Ruth 4:7-10)

Boaz fulfilled his responsibility as a close relative while the other did not. They sealed the contract with the exchange of sandals, as was customary in those days.

Fulfilling Obligation

Boaz purchased the family property of the late Elimelech and his dead sons. The Law required the redeemer to also marry the widow of the deceased to continue the family line. Thus Ruth became Boaz’ wife and became the great great grand mother of Jesus.

Fulfilling God’s Law

Years later, God’s only begotten Son fulfilled God’s Law by taking human form and dying on the cross as the propitiation for their sins. There was no obligation on His part. But it was His love that moved Him to take up the cross for our sake. Through His substitutionary death the just Law of a righteous God was absolutely satisfied. He offered Himself as a perfect and permanent sacrifice for the remission of our sins, that we are redeemed from damnation to eternal life.

What a provision, that too absolutely free!

Kinsman Redeemer

And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. (Ruth 3:11-13)

God’s Provision

Naomi realized that God had led Ruth to the right place, where she will find help and support as per the statutes of God. The Law makes provision for the widow and her family property to be redeemed by the nearest relative.

Naomi guided her daughter-in-law in claiming her rights as per the Law of God. She was a woman of virtue and followed her Mother-in-law’s instructions. Boaz too was a noble man and person of character. He promises to fulfill his obligations. He was kind and generous to the family that he gave a shawl full of grains. He was also careful to keep his reputation. So he tells Ruth to leave before daybreak so no one will know that she was there.

Kinsman’s Decision

Boaz was only second-in-line kinsman. He awaited the decision of the nearest relative whose responsibility it was to redeem the family of late Elimelech. When he expressed his unwillingness, Boaz revealed his decision. He was willing to shoulder the responsibility of providing solace for the widows of his relatives. This was absolutely legal and God’s command for them.

There is a foreshadow of Jesus in Boaz here. Jesus decided to pay the ransom with His own blood to redeem us. He made us members of God’s family and heirs to God’s riches, all by His grace and mercy.

Faith Continues to be Rewarded

At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls.” (Ruth 2:10, 13)

Ruth was discovering the favor of the Lord God of Israel through her experiences at her newfound home. She loved her mother-in-law and did her best to support her. She obeyed Naomi as they were trying to resettle in Bethlehem.

Accepted and Respected

Ruth always knew she was a stranger in town, alien to the Jewish culture and ignorant of the local customs. She was surprised at the acceptance she received from Boaz and his workers. She worked with them and shared their meal. This atmosphere would have been unimaginable in her culture. She felt accepted and respected for Boaz was a man of noble character.
Provided and Protected

Ruth was willing to learn the disciplines of her newfound faith and she trusted her mother-in-law. Boaz provided her work and food. He also made sure that she, being a stranger, was safe in the new place. Boaz’s thoughtfulness was a shadow of God’s graciousness to her. Naomi advised Ruth to work with Boaz’s workers for she knew Ruth will be safe there.

Faith Rewarded

And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech. (Ruth 2:2-3)

Ruth, a worshiper of Moabite gods, lands up in Israel along with her mother-in-law Naomi. Though a stranger to the land of covenant she had strong faith in the God of her husband. She had discovered the difference between her gods and the God of Israel which motivated her to sacrifice her family and relatives for the sake of being with her mother-in-law.

Results of a Wrong Step

Naomi, being a part of God’s Covenant people, was not so strong in her faith that a food shortage made her persuade her husband to trust in human wisdom. Naomi regretted the loss of her husband and sons and perhaps realized her mistake in leaving the land and stepping out of God’s will. Though her name meant “pleasant” Naomi accepts the name ‘Mara”, meaning “bitter”, as the consequences of her mistake was gnawing away her joy.

Rewards of Right Faith

Ruth, on the contrary, exhibited inner joy and motivation to work hard to care for her mother-in-law. She was guided by the Lord to the field of Boaz, a relative of her husband, a wealthy man of good repute and high social standing. There Ruth finds not just food and safety, but God’s graciousness through Boaz. Her faith in the God of Israel was beginning to be rewarded.

Faith Calls For Sacrifices

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)

Running Away During Tough Times

Elimelech and his family wanted to escape the famine in the promised land. Famines may come in the places where God has kept you to test your dependence on Him. God is able to see you through such situations. But if you run away seeking security elsewhere, you are in for more troubles. Solving problems in our own strength can lead us to ungodly choices. Elimelech and the two sons died in the unchartered territory.The sons had married girls from unbelieving communities against the covenant agreement they had with God. When the women were left alone to make their decision the mother-in-law suggests that the girls return to their people and their gods. God’s people are not to tread upon unapproved territory and enter into unacceptable relationships.

Staying True To The Commitment

Ruth had the chance to return to her own people and to realign herself to her old faith. But she had made up her mind to trust the God of her husband’s family, the God of Israel. She found Him to be true though her husband’s family were dissenting from their covenant relationship. She decided to follow her new found faith no matter what. God honored her faith and we see her name appear in the family tree of Jesus.

Faith That Opens Our Eyes

He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. (Lk.18:38-42)

After discussing about eternal life Jesus pointed to the means by which eternal life was going to be provided-His own substitutionary death. This was beyond the comprehension of His disciples.

Atoning Death

The prophets foretold about the atoning death of the Savior whom God would send. Thus the Jewish people were awaiting the coming of the Savior. Yet they could not comprehend their Savior as a humble servant who would be assaulted and put to death by the Roman authorities. This was contrary to their concept of the Savior. But the focal point of the whole episode was His resurrection on the third day.

Eye-opening Faith

The blind man near Jericho had heard about all what Jesus had done and He was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah who has come “…to preach good news to the poor. …to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Lk.4:18-19; Isa.61:1-2) Jesus responded to his faith by doing what he badly wanted. He had seen the Savior with the eyes of faith and that made even his physical eyes to open up.

Is Prayer Losing its Power?

And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Lk.18:7-

Prayer has become too casual and common these days that it is nothing more than a ritual that gives some kind of a psychological satisfaction. Jesus told two parables pointing at two vital parameters of effective prayer. 

Persistent Prayer 

The wicked judge decided to give justice to the one who was knocking at his door unashamedly. She was persistent and wouldn’t give up. Her was confident that the judge will take action, if not today definitely tomorrow. Her persistence was rewarded.

God being righteous and holy will be more eager to act on behalf of His children who persistently seek His His mercy. We should not give up, even if it is inconvenient and discouraging. Faith should be enduring. Jesus is warning us that as time advances there are chances of many people losing their faith itself.

Do we see this happening around us?

Repentant Prayer

In the second parable there is a self righteous pharisee and a tax collector. Pharisee was praying to the people in the Temple (he was boasting about his religiosity) while the tax collector was talking to God admitting his unworthiness. God is ready to listen to a repentant sinner than to the religious hypocrite.

Prayer is effective when the parameters are correct. God cannot answer a hypocrite and his prayer doesn’t meet God’s standard. Humility before God is reflected in repentance.

Reason For Joy

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Lk.15:10)

We see two kinds of people around Jesus. First, those who love Him and want to follow Him. Second, those who doubt Him and want to pin Him down. It may appear as if there is a third group in between. But when it comes to a response to Jesus there could be no neutral position. You are either with Him or against Him. Jesus Himself said, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” (Mat.12:30 NLT) The same applies to the crowds of today.

Those Drawing Closer

There were people who wanted to draw closer to Jesus, to hear His words of promise and assurance of salvation. They experienced the joy of being with their Lord and Master. They had obviously made up their minds to follow Him since they realized that Jesus was the Savior God had promised. This requires a definite decision to stake one’s life rather than being a casual devotee or a passive sympathizer.

Those Drifting Farther

The ones who doubt the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ are on the opposite team. They may not be radically challenging His authority but the end result is the same. They will be drifting away from the Savior and from His saving grace decision by decision, choice by choice, question by question, unless they are submissive in their spirit to the truth revealed. The religionists will search for reasons not to surrender themselves to His authority. They will be driven by their self righteous ego.

Lost and Found

In the story of the lost sheep and the lost coin, the shepherd or the owner is relentlessly searching for the lost one. We, like the lost sheep, went on our own ways and are lost. As the owner of our lives the Good Shepherd came searching. In our case, we need to respond to the Shepherd’s call. We need to realize that we are lost and unable to find our way home. We need to acknowledge that the Good Shepherd alone can save us and bring us back home. No one else has come seeking the lost in order to save them. We must be willing to be a sheep in His fold and obey Him hereafter.

Reason For Joy

Are you still a lost sheep or has the Good Shepherd found you? If the Good Shepherd has saved you, you had been the reason for joy in heaven. As the sheep of His fold the Good Shepherd has given us the task of seeking and ’saving’ other lost sheep, by bringing them to the Good Shepherd. We can thus cause joy in heaven as well as in those lives.