Matthew 1:1-5b, Ruth 1-4 | Portraits of Grace: Ruth

This Advent we are looking at the very first Christmas passage in the bible: Jesus’ family tree (Matthew 1:1-17), which highlights five women, whose surprising inclusion in this tree serves to highlight God’s grace. This week we look at the story of Ruth, a widow from Moab that entrusts her life to the LORD and pledges her life to care for her mother-in-law who has also been widowed. How will they survive? Through Ruth’s courageous steps of faith, the LORD meets her and Naomi’s needs while also demonstrating his steadfast love to his people by providing King David through whom eventually comes King Jesus.