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Sunday School Lesson

Sunday School Lesson (August 18, 2019) A Covenant To Marry – Ruth 3:1-6, 8-12, 16-18

Sunday School Preacher
A Covenant To Marry – Ruth 3:1-6, 8-12, 16-18

Hello Sunday school teachers, preachers, and students! Welcome to SundaySchoolPreacher.com.  This week I take a look at a covenant to marry.  The lesson comes from Ruth 3:1-6, 8-12, 16-18.  In this lesson we see Naomi’s specific instructions to Ruth, Ruth’s marriage proposal to Boaz, Boaz’s covenant to marry Ruth and ultimately the redemption of Naomi through Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer.  What I found particularly interesting about this lesson is how in its Hebrew form it is replete with puns and innuendo of a sexual nature.  The writer is definitely telling us something, but it’s up to us to figure out what it is.  Some of the ideas surrounding this week’s text include the terms: 

Redeemer

Widow

Background: 

This week’s lesson is the second from the book of Ruth.  As noted last week, Nelson’s Bible Handbook records that the author of Ruth is unknown although some scholars credit it to the prophet Samuel.  In these four chapters and eighty-five verses seated between Judges and 1 Samuel we find the story of a woman whose name means pleasant but her life has been bitter.  Although this book is named Ruth because of her undying love for her mother-in-law, it tells the story of Naomi. 

After hearing that the famine in her homeland has ended Naomi and Ruth return to Judah.  When they arrive Naomi’s homeland Naomi is broken, bitter, and no doubt destitute.  Ruth asks Naomi if she can glean grain “behind someone in whose sight she might find favor” (2:2).  “As it happened, she came to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech” (2:3).  Ruth gleans from Boaz’s field and as Boaz comes from Bethlehem he notices Ruth.   Boaz treats her with kindness telling Ruth to glean in his field and to stay alongside his servants.  Boaz knows how faithful Ruth has been to Naomi and now he has seen for himself how diligent she works in the field.  After Boaz shares a meal with Ruth and after a full day gleaning in the field she returns to Naomi and explains how kind Boaz has been.  “Naomi said to Ruth, “It is better, my daughter that you go out with his young women otherwise you might be bothered in another field”.  So Ruth stayed close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests” (2:22-23). 

That brings us to the scripture text for this lesson.  But first I should note the puns and innuendos excursus recorded in the New Interpreter’s Study Bible. 

“In chapter three, the narrator uses a series of puns that can have either innocent or sexually suggestive meanings.  The Hebrew word shakab, “lie down” is used eight times in 3:3-14.  Shakab can simply mean “sleep” but the word is also frequently used in biblical texts to imply sexual intercourse (e.g. Gen 19:33-35; 30:15-16; 38:26).  Similarly, the word galah (“uncover”) is frequently found in texts that prohibit incest (Lev. 18:6-19); regalim (“feet” or “lower body”) is a common euphemism for the genitals (Deut 28:57; Isa 7:20; Ezek 16:25); and “threshing floors” were traditionally associated with sex for hire (Hos 9:1).  The verb yada (“make known” in 3:3 “observe” in 3:4; “know” in 3:11 and “known” in 3;14) is also used in OT texts as a euphemism for sexual activity.  When Ruth asks Boaz to “spread your cloak over your servant” (3:9), she uses a phrase that has sexual overtones in Deut. 27:20 and Ezek. 16:8.  Thus, while the narrator does not spell out for us what happened between midnight and morning, the language used throughout the chapter is both ambiguous and playfully suggestive. 

So these numerous puns and innuendoes may be a simple case of the writer being playful with words. Or it may be the writer telling us a lot without saying it in so many words.  At any rate, we can be sure that the people spoken of in Holy Scripture are recorded as real people with hopes, ambitions, and desires, as well as faults and failures just like people today. 

Additionally, I should note that Boaz becomes Naomi’s redeemer.  Ruth alone has no claim to Elimelech’s property.  The NISB notes that “The redeemer is the designated family member who is expected to recover that which has been (or is in danger of being) removed from family control”.  Boaz is the kinsman redeemer for Naomi. 

Our lesson this week is entitled A Covenant To Marry.  After Ruth’s marriage proposal, Boaz makes a covenant saying “don’t’ be afraid, I will do for you all you ask” (3:11).  From this marriage, Obed would be born.  Obed is the father of Jesse and grandfather of King David.  Also, Matthew 1 records the genealogy of Jesus.  In this genealogy only four women are named and Ruth is one of them.  Some important words to consider from this text include:

Redeemer

Widow

Review of Last Week and How it Connects to This Week: 

Last week our lesson was taken from Ruth chapter 1.  I noted that leading up to verse six, the timeframe of Naomi’s story was when the Judges ruled.  During this time there was a famine in Judah and Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons left their home country and crossed into Moab.  I noted how “Bethlehem means “House of Bread / Food”.  Yet during Naomi’s time there was no food due to the famine.  I also noted the meaning of the names of Naomi, Elimelech her husband, and Mahlon and Chilion her two sons.  You may remember that after living in Moab for some time Elimelech dies and so do Naomi’s two sons.  I quoted Dr. Wil Gafney from the Africana Bible writing that “Naomi is a postmenopausal widow bereft of her childless sons.  Naomi has no (male) family left.  But she has a home.  She returned to her people, the land of her ancestors”.  

Verses six and seven told us that Naomi with her daughters-in-law start the return home because she has heard that the Lord has given Judah food. 

Verses eight and nine told us how Naomi pleaded with her daughters-in-law to go back to your mother’s house.  I noted how the term “mother’s house” is an indication that Naomi is urging them to look for new husbands”. 

In verse nine she wished that they would find security in the homes of new husbands.  The NISB notes that “In their world, marriage was assumed to be the only respectable way for a woman to achieve social and economic security”.  In a male dominated, patriarchal society, these husbandless women and this sonless mother would have a hard time just to survive.  

Verses ten and eleven told us again that Naomi wants them to look for other husbands.  Naomi told them “do I still have sons in my womb that that they may become your husbands”?  She knows how hard it is to survive without a husband and she believes it would be best for them to find other husbands.  I noted how this is really Naomi looking out for their best interest.  This is Naomi showing them love.  She knows she can do little to nothing to make life better for her daughters-in-law. 

The lesson then skipped to verse fourteen where again they wept aloud.  Naomi is heartbroken, distressed, and probably destitute and by her own words bitter.  She has set her mind to return to her home and she knows that she has nothing to offer her daughters-in-law.  Orpah is convinced of her mother-in-law’s argument.  It’s logical, it makes sense, and she knows Naomi is speaking from a place of love.  Orpah departs from Naomi and returns to her people, to her culture, and to her gods.  But Ruth clings to Naomi.  She knows Naomi is speaking the truth.  She knows she has nothing really to look forward to.  She knows that she is a Moabite and Israelites look down on and almost always have nothing to do with Moabites.  But still, she clings to her mother-in-law.  She clings because there is something more powerful than the pain of living among people who don’t like you because of your ancestry.  She clings because there is something more powerful than suffering because there is no man in your home.  She clings because there is something more powerful than the sorrow she has already faced and the hardships she is likely to face.  She clings because she loves this woman.  She loves her mother-in-law more than the comfort of living with her own people.  She clings because she loves this woman more than the familiarity of her own customs and her own gods.  She clings because Naomi is a woman who has no doubt shown Ruth the kind of love that transcends customs.  Naomi has shown her a love that transcends culture. And for Ruth, Naomi’s love transcends familiarity. 

In verses sixteen and seventeen Ruth speaks the words that are so often repeated in marriage ceremonies.  These words are Ruth’s unequivocal love for her mother-in-law.  Ruth is going to cling to Naomi regardless of what may come.  Where ever she goes, where ever she lives, whatever God she serves, and where ever she dies, Ruth declares that the same will be to her. 

I also highlighted the fact that this sentiment of love is certainly appreciated, respected, and esteemed; yet we should be mindful of the context.  The NISB notes that “these words spoken by one woman to another woman must be taken out of context in order to be used as a pledge of love between a man and a woman”.  Yet it is this sentiment and the deep meaning of this kind of love that we all ought to strive for in our marriage relationships.  This is Ruth’s covenant with Naomi. 

Verse eighteen closed last week’s lesson with Naomi resigned to Ruth’s commitment.  Naomi realizes that Ruth is determined and committed; not just to go with her but to demonstrate her love toward her. 

That should be our goal.  To demonstrate our love for one another in ways that leaves no doubt about our care and concern.

This week’s lesson deals with a covenant of marriage.  Ruth proposes marriage to Boaz.  Boaz understanding the character of Ruth, her faithfulness to her mother-in-law, and her work ethic makes a covenant to marry Ruth.  This marriage would redeem Naomi, provide a home for Ruth and Naomi, give Boaz access to Elimelech’s property, and produce the grandfather of King David.  Townsend, Boyd’s, and Standard Lesson Commentary title the lesson A Covenant To Marry.  The scripture text comes from Ruth 3:1-6, 8-12, and 16-18. 

What Takes Place in This Passage: 

Verses one and two begin with Naomi’s concern for Ruth’s security.  Naomi’s care and concern for Ruth underscores her love for her daughter-in-law.  After realizing Boaz has shown interest in Ruth, Naomi knows exactly what to do.  Naomi knows the customs of the barley harvest and as the reaping season draws to a close she gives her daughter-in-law specific instructions on how to conduct herself. 

In verse three Naomi tells Ruth to wash, anoint herself with perfume, and to put on her best clothes.  Naomi tells her to go to the threshing floor but to not make herself known to Boaz until after he has finished eating and drinking.  Naomi knows what she is doing.  With these specific instructions she hopes to ensure Ruth’s success with convincing Boaz to marry her. 

The instructions continue in verse four.  Naomi tells Ruth “when he lies down, observe the place then go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do”.  In verse five Ruth demonstrates her obedience to Naomi telling her “all that you tell me I will do”.  The NISB notes that the Hebrew word for “lie down” is used eight times in 3:4-14.  “Lie down” can simply mean “sleep” but this word is also frequently used in biblical texts to imply sexual intercourse.

Verse six tells us Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions.  Verse seven in not in the lesson, but it tells us how after Boaz was content with eating and drinking he lies down at the end of a heap of grain and how Ruth “came stealthily and uncovered his feet, and lay down”.  The New Interpreter’s Bible One Volume Commentary notes that “The Hebrew of this scene is filled with words that may have either ordinary meanings or sexual overtones, especially the words “feet” (used euphemistically for genitals) and “lie down” (for sleeping or sexual relations).  Both in content and choice of vocabulary, the storyteller establishes the possibility for a sexual tryst outside of marriage, yet draws back from saying exactly what took place”.

Verse eight tells us that at midnight Boaz is startled discovering a woman laying at his feet.  It’s easy to understand how he might be startled having gone to sleep alone only to wake in the middle of the night with a woman lying next to him.  Boaz is likely a pious man given his greeting in chapter two verse four. 

In verse nine Ruth explains “I am your servant; spread your cloak over your servant, for you are next-of-kin”.  This is Ruth’s marriage proposal.  The NIBOVC notes that “spread your cloak over your servant” is in effect elevated language for a marriage proposal.  Verse ten helps us understand just how wise Naomi was.  Naomi had given Ruth specific instructions and now Boaz says “may you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter; this last instance of your loyalty is better than the first”.  Here Boaz recognizes Ruth’s actions toward him as better than her actions toward her mother-in-law.  He knows how loving and faithful Ruth has been toward Naomi.  Now he sees that same kind of love and faithfulness toward him by Ruth. 

Verse eleven is the covenant to marry that Boaz makes toward Ruth.  In verse nine Ruth proposes marriage.  In verse eleven Boaz makes the covenant to marry Ruth.  He promises her “do not be afraid, I will do for you all that you ask”. 

Verse twelve introduces a twist.  Boaz tells Ruth there is another kinsman more closely related than he is.  Yet, Boaz will be determined to see this matter through successfully.

In verse sixteen Ruth returns to her mother-in-law who asks “how did things go with you, my daughter”.  Ruth tells Naomi all that happed and in verse seventeen she says “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said; do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed”.  Naomi’s plan has worked.  Boaz sends Ruth home with six measures of barley to show his appreciation.  And in verse eighteen Naomi tells Ruth to simply wait.  She knows Boaz will not rest until this marriage is settled. 

Context:

“I am redeemed.  I’ve been bought with a price.  Jesus has changed my whole life”.  The words of this song, written by Jessy Dixon, seem appropriate to express the gratefulness of being restored into God’s family.  Naomi was redeemed.  Where her life had been bitter and empty; after Ruth’s marriage and the birth of Obed, Naomi is restored, renewed, and redeemed.  Many of us have experienced a season (if not seasons) of bitterness in life.  It’s my hope and prayer that we all come through those seasons better.  Filled with better love, better hope for tomorrow and better grace for today. 

Key Characters in the text:

Naomi – The mother-in-law of Ruth and wife of Elimelech.  Her name means “sweet” or “pleasant” but she becomes bitter toward God after the death of her husband and two sons.  She is later redeemed and the sweetness of her life restored. 

Ruth – A Moabite woman who becomes the grandmother of King David and in the bloodline of Jesus Christ.  Ruth demonstrates her undying love for her mother-in-law Naomi and through her she becomes Naomi’s redemption. 

Boaz – A rich farmer from the City of Bethlehem and a kinsman to Elimelech.  He was made the kinsman-redeemer when he agreed to marry Ruth, and he therefore became the great grandfather to King David and direct ancestor of Jesus Christ (Townsend).

Key Words: 

Redeemer – God as the rescuer and recoverer of Israel.  A designation for Jesus Christ, who brings salvation and the redemptive relationship God, intends to have with those who believe.  

Widows – Women who remained unmarried after the death of their husbands were of special concern in ancient Israel as powerless persons (Ex 22:22).  They were recipients of Christian care by churches in Acts 6:1-3 and 1 Tim 5:3-16. 

Themes, Topics, Discussion, or Sermon Preparation Ideas: 

1.  I am redeemed.  (Song written by Jessy Dixon)

2.  Teamwork makes the dream work.        

Questions: 

1.  A marriage between Naomi and Boaz would not have kept the “name” of Elimelech alive.  Naomi was past childbearing age.  Discuss what a marriage between Ruth and Boaz accomplishes.    

2.  Naomi instructed Ruth to approach Boaz in an intimate way to propose marriage (Townsend).  Why do you think this was necessary?      

Concluding Thought:

“It takes a village to raise a child” is an Igbo and Yoruba proverb that exists in many different African languages. It reflects the emphasis African cultures place on family and community and may have its origins in a biblical worldview (Reference.com).  Marriage, family, and community are foundations of society.  When our marriages, our families, and our communities are rooted in love all of our lives are made better.  After their husband’s death, Ruth willingly remained with Naomi.  She later willingly married Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer.  As a result their family grew, the community was made better, and the result was Naomi’s redemption.  Working together, makes the dream work.                

Preview of Next Week’s Lesson:

Next week we move back to the New Testament but remain on the idea of love and marriage in the context of a covenant.  Next week the lesson text is taken from Ephesians 5:21-33.  The lesson is entitled Marriage: A Covenant of Mutual Love. 

Sunday School Lesson

Sunday School Lesson (August 11, 2019) A Mother-Daughter Covenant Ruth 1:6-11, 14-18

Sunday School Preacher
A Mother Daughter Covenant Ruth 1:6-11, 14-18

Hello Sunday school teachers, preachers, and students! Welcome to SundaySchoolPreacher.com.  This week I take a look at a covenant between a family.  The lesson comes from Ruth 1:6-11 and 14-18.  In this lesson we see women who are ethnically different.  They worship different gods, they have different customs, and they have different cultures.  Yet something binds these women together more powerfully than their differences could separate.  In this lesson Ruth leaves everything she knows, all of her traditions, practices, and all of her people to go with Naomi.  What this highlights for me is the powerful way in which Naomi must have impacted Ruth.  This mother-in-law must have had a profound, deep, intense, and life changing impact on her daughter-in-law for her to leave everyone and everything she was accustomed to.  Ruth knows that she is a Moabite and Israelites look down on and almost always have nothing to do with Moabites.  But still, she clings to her mother-in-law.  She clings because there is something more powerful than the pain of living among people who don’t like you because of your ancestry.  She clings because there is something more powerful than suffering because there is no man in your home.  These two women have a bond of love.  It is this love that becomes a mother daughter covenant; a covenant that we all should strive to emulate in our own relationships.  Some of the ideas surrounding this week’s text include the terms: 

Redeemer

Widow

Background: 

This week’s lesson is the first of two lessons from the book of Ruth.  Nelson’s Bible Handbook notes that its author is unknown although some scholars credit it to the prophet Samuel.  The New Interpreter’s Study Bible notes that “Christian Bibles place Ruth in between Judges and Samuel.  This leads the reader directly from the era when “there was no king in Israel” (Judg. 21:25) to the time of David, the exemplary King noted in Ruth 4:17-22”.  The Hebrew Bible, instead, places Ruth among the writings. 

Townsend commentary notes that Ruth begins during the closing days of Judges.  “Judges was a four-hundred year timeline of anarchy and oppression during which the Israelites were not ruled by kings but rather had judges who were deliverers whom God periodically raised up to deliver Israel”.  Judges Closes with “There was no King in Israel”.  Ruth takes us from the anarchy of no king to the time of the great King David. 

Perhaps the strongest theological point in Ruth is the idea of the redeemer.  Although this book is named Ruth, it tells the story of Naomi.  “Naomi lived in Bethlehem in the time of the Judges.  A famine drives Naomi and her family to seek refuge in Moab, where her two sons marry (abduct) Moabite women as wives.  When Naomi’s husband and sons die, she returns to Bethlehem, destitute, bitter and “empty” but accompanied by her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth” (New Interpreter’s Study Bible).  Again, this book is named Ruth, but it is really the story of Naomi. 

It is Naomi who “needs redemption and ultimatly she receives it.  It is Naomi’s life that is renewed (4:15); her feelings of bitterness, emptiness, and hopelessness are turned around.  Like Naomi, we are the recipients of unmerited love, and our redemption is due to someone else’s faithfulness, not our own” (NISB). 

It is also important to note the full context in which Ruth pledges her love to Naomi.  Dr. Wil Gafney writes in The Africana Bible – Reading Israel’s Scriptures From Africa and The African Diaspora that “Ruth’s embrace of Naomi is particularly striking remembering that they were from different ethnic communities, practiced different religions, and Naomi was there – and presumably did not object – when Ruth and Orpah were abducted into marriage.  So Ruth really leaves everything she knows, all of her traditions, practices, and people to go with Naomi.  What this highlights for me is the powerful way in which Naomi must have impacted Ruth.  This mother-in-law must have had a profound, deep, intense, and life changing impact on her daughter-in-law for her to leave everyone and everything she was accustomed to. 

Our text this week is focused on a covenant between a family.  A family that is ethnically different but bound in love nonetheless.  Ruth is marginalized as a Moabite and as a widowed or unmarried woman.  She knows she will likely be unwelcome in Bethlehem.  The Israelites did not like, nor did they get along with the Moabites.  Yet, her love for her mother-in-law compels her to go anyway.  Some important words to consider from this text include:

Redeemer

Widow

Review of Last Week and How it Connects to This Week: 

Last week was the first in a series of lessons that deal with covenants between people.  As we saw in last week and will see again in this week’s lesson, love is a significant theme that drives these covenants.  Last week’s lesson was taken from 1 Samuel chapters eighteen and nineteen.  The love that secured the covenant between Jonathan and his friend David was the central theme.  Chapter eighteen began with a continuation of the David and Goliath story.  In verse one David had already killed Goliath and presented Goliath’s head to Saul.  David was seen as a hero and of course this bothered King Saul.  David had single handedly won the war and defeated the Philistine enemy of Israel.  Verse one told us that the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David.  Townsend Commentary noted that “the traditional, mainstream view of the relationship between David and Jonathan is that it was platonic, brotherly love”. 

Verse two helped us understand that Saul was pleased with David because Saul “took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house”.  

Verses three and four helped us understand that Jonathan and David had a mutual agreement; they made a covenant.  Verse three told us that Jonathan loved David as his own soul.  The terms of their covenant are not mentioned but based on the actions of Jonathan in verse four we can consider Jonathan’s loyalty to David surpassed his own claim to the throne.

Verse five helped us understand David’s obedience and wisdom.  David conducted himself wisely.  He was successful in all that Saul put before him.  He was so successful that “all the people, even the servants of Saul approved”.  The fact that even the servants approved really says something about the fame, celebrity, and prominence of David.  That same fame and prominence is what would make King Saul jealous. 

At this point the lesson text skipped chapter 19.  I noted that between verses 6 and the beginning of Chapter nineteen a lot transpires.  Townsend Commentary noted “the events of 1 Samuel 18-20 occurred between 1018 and 1013 BC, and David would have been between fifteen and twenty-two.  He spent approximately seven years living with King Saul before Saul began trying to kill him”.  Additionally, “There is a twenty-five year age gap between David and Jonathan”. 

Verse one of chapter 19 tells us that Saul speaks to Jonathan and to all his servants that they should kill David.  Saul is jealous of David.  This jealousy is the basis of his hatred for David without cause.

Verse two of chapter nineteen told us of Jonathan’s treason against his father Saul.  Jonathan’s love for David and his covenant with David means more to him than carrying out the wishes of his father the King.  Jonathan warns David and advises him to hide in a secret place until morning.  

Verses three, four, and five detailed the plan Jonathan came up with to save his friend and how with courage and commitment Jonathan spoke truth to power.  If warning David wasn’t treason, reporting his private conversation with the King surly was.  Verse four shows Jonathan speaking up for and on behalf of David his friend. In verse five Jonathan reminds his father the King how David risked his own life to kill the Philistine.   He reminds the King that David is innocent.  In this way, Jonathan showed his true loyalty.  He risked his own life for the safety of his friend.  He spoke truth to power.  He was courageous and committed to the covenant he made with David.

Verses six and seven reveal the results of Jonathan’s plea to his father.  Saul listened to his son and he swore “as the Lord lives, he shall not be slain”.  Jonathan took the risk for his friend and in this occasion it was worth it.  It was a tremendous risk for Jonathan.  He had to choose between loyalty to his father and loyalty to his friend.  As Jonathan noted, David was innocent.  Jonathan choose to stand up for what was right.  His loyalty was to his friend, but his loyalty was also to what was right.

That should be our goal.  To stand up for what’s right; to be loyal to our friends but more so, to truth and righteousness. 

This week’s lesson deals with another covenant based in love.  David and Jonathan’s love is through friendship.  Naomi and Ruth’s love is based in family.  Although the family circle has been broken with the death of the husbands of Naomi, Orpha, and Ruth the love Ruth demonstrates to her mother-in-law is just as powerful as any other.  Townsend, Boyd’s, and Standard Lesson Commentary title the lesson A Mother-Daughter Covenant.  The scripture text comes from Ruth 1:6-11, and 14-18. 

What Takes Place in This Passage: 

Leading up to verse six we learn the timeframe of this story is when the Judges ruled.  There was a famine in Judah and Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons left their home country and crossed into Moab.  The New Interpreter’s Study Bible notes that “Bethlehem means “House of Bread / Food”.  Yet at this time there is no food due to the famine.  Elimelech means “My God is King” in ironic contrast to the end of Judges which states that there was no king in Israel.  Mahlon and Chilion sound like the Hebrew words for “Diseased” and “perishing” suggesting that the sons are likely to die young.  And Naomi means “Sweet” or “pleasant” in ironic contrast to the bitterness she will face in life”.  After living in Moab some time Elimelech dies.  After living there about ten years the two sons also die.  When verse six picks up Dr Wil Gafney writes in the Africana Bible “Naomi is a postmenopausal widow bereft of her childless sons.  Naomi has no (male) family left.  But she has a home.  She returned to her people, the land of her ancestors”.  

Verses six and seven tell us that Naomi with her daughters-in-law start the return home because she has heard that the Lord has given Judah food. 

Verses eight and nine tell us that Naomi told her daughters-in-law to go back to your mother’s house.  The NISB notes that using the term “mother’s house” is an indication that Naomi is urging them to look for new husbands”.  And it’s here that we get the first glimpse of the kind of woman Naomi is.  She tells them “May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me”.  Regardless of Naomi’s motivation for sending them back she wishes them well and acknowledges how they have treated her dead sons, and how they have treated her as their mother-in-law.  In verse nine she wished that they will find security in the homes of their new husbands.  The NISB notes that “In their world, marriage was assumed to be the only respectable way for a woman to achieve social and economic security”.  In a male dominated, patriarchal society, these husbandless women and this sonless mother would have a hard time just to survive.  After she kisses them, they all wept aloud.  But surely, this isn’t the first time they have wept aloud together.  These women have experienced great trials and tribulations.  They have experienced the death of their husbands and Naomi’s sons.  And they have likely faced the struggles of providing for themselves without their husbands. 

Verses ten and eleven tell us again that Naomi wants them to look for other husbands.  Naomi tells them “do I still have sons in my womb that that they may become your husbands”?  Naomi knows how hard it is to survive without a husband and she believes it would be best for them to find other husbands.  And this is really Naomi looking out for their best interest.  This is Naomi showing them love.  She knows she can do little to nothing to make life better for her daughters-in-law. 

The lesson text skips to verse fourteen where again they wept aloud.  Naomi is heartbroken, distressed, and probably destitute and by her own words bitter.  She has set her mind to return to her home and she knows that she has nothing to offer her daughters-in-law.  Orpah is convinced of her mother-in-law’s argument.  It’s logical, it makes sense, and she knows Naomi is speaking from a place of love.  Orpah departs from Naomi and returns to her people, to her culture, and to her gods.  But Ruth clings to Naomi.  She knows Naomi is speaking the truth.  She knows she has nothing really to look forward to.  She knows that she is a Moabite and Israelites look down on and almost always have nothing to do with Moabites.  But still, she clings to her mother-in-law.  She clings because there is something more powerful than the pain of living among people who don’t like you because of your ancestry.  She clings because there is something more powerful than suffering because there is no man in your home.  She clings because there is something more powerful than the sorrow she has already faced and the hardships she is likely to face.  She clings because she loves this woman.  She loves her mother-in-law more than the comfort of living with her own people.  She clings because she loves this woman more than the familiarity of her own customs and her own gods.  She clings because Naomi is a woman who has no doubt shown Ruth the kind of love that transcends customs.  Naomi has shown her a love that transcends culture. And for Ruth, Naomi’s love transcends familiarity. 

In verses sixteen and seventeen Ruth speaks the words that are so often repeated in marriage ceremonies.  These words are Ruth’s unequivocal love for her mother-in-law.  Ruth is going to cling to Naomi regardless of what may come.  Where ever she goes, where ever she lives, whatever God she serves, and where ever she dies, Ruth declares that the same will be to her. 

These are certainly beautiful words and I remember them repeated in my own wedding years ago.  While the sentiment is certainly appreciated, respected, and esteemed we should be mindful of the context.  The NISB notes that “these words spoken by one woman to another woman must be taken out of context in order to be used as a pledge of love between a man and a woman”.  Yet it is this sentiment and the deep meaning of this kind of love that we all ought to strive for in our marriage relationships.  This is Ruth’s covenant with Naomi. 

Verse eighteen closes our lesson with Naomi resigned to Ruth’s commitment.  Naomi realizes that Ruth is determined and committed; not just to go with her but to demonstrate her love toward her. 

That should be our goal.  To demonstrate our love for one another in ways that leaves no doubt about our care and concern.    

Context:

Do you have a friend or family member that will do anything they can for you?  Do you have someone who will “walk the last mile” with you?  Do you have someone who will stand by you and support you through “thick or thin”?  Do you have a “ride or die”?  Do you have someone that loves you unconditionally?  Do you have someone who gives you unmerited love?  All of this and more is what Ruth is to Naomi.  This book bears the name of Ruth; but Naomi is the real MVP.  Ruth gets credit for demonstrating her undying love for her mother-in-law but it is Naomi who impacted her daughter-in-law in ways to warrant that kind of love.  I can think of no strength, no power, and no purpose stronger than love.  Love can cause you to sacrifice yourself for the ones you love.  Love is the greatest power in the universe.

That is what this mother-daughter covenant is.  It is a covenant based in love.  As followers of Jesus Christ our love should be so strong, so unmistakable, so committed and devoted that our loved ones will know we are their “ride or die”.     

Key Characters in the text:

Naomi – The mother-in-law of Ruth and wife of Elimelech.  Her name means “sweet” or “pleasant” but she becomes bitter toward God after the death of her husband and two sons.  She is later redeemed and the sweetness of her life restored. 

Ruth – A Moabite woman who becomes the grandmother of King David and in the bloodline of Jesus Christ.  Ruth demonstrates her undying love for her mother-in-law Naomi and through her she becomes Naomi’s redemption. 

Key Words: 

Redeemer – God as the rescuer and recoverer of Israel.  A designation for Jesus Christ, who brings salvation and the redemptive relationship God, intends to have with those who believe.  

Widows – Women who remained unmarried after the death of their husbands were of special concern in ancient Israel as powerless persons (Ex 22:22).  They were recipients of Christian care by churches in Acts 6:1-3 and 1 Tim 5:3-16. 

Themes, Topics, Discussion, or Sermon Preparation Ideas: 

1.  Who are you riding for?

2.  Don’t sleep on Naomi.        

Questions: 

1.  Ruth was a Moabite who was likely abducted into marriage.  She knew Israelites frowned upon and did not like Moabites.  Does Ruth rely on faith that things will work out, or does she simply love her mother-in-law regardless of how things will work out? 

2.  Ruth a Moabite woman becomes the ancestress of King David and thereby Jesus.  What does this say about racial purity?    

Concluding Thought:

Love is the most powerful force in the universe.  Ruth’s love for Naomi is a demonstration of what love can do.  It can cause a person to willingly sacrifice their own comfort and convenience for the sake of someone else.  This is the kind of love God demonstrated for us through Jesus Christ.  God sacrificed God’s only begotten son for our salvation and redemption.              

Preview of Next Week’s Lesson: Next week we continue our study in the book of Ruth.  As we continue to learn about covenants between people we explore how virtuous Ruth charms Boaz and becomes the grandmother of King David.  Next week the text comes from Ruth 3:1-6, 8-12, and 16-18. 

Christianity, Sunday School, Sunday School Lesson

Sunday School Lesson (June 23, 2019) Hearts United In Love Colossians 2:1-15

Sunday School Preacher
Hearts United In Love

Hello Sunday school teachers, preachers, and students! Welcome to SundaySchoolPreacher.com.  This week I take a look at hearts united in love in the second chapter of Colossians.  The Colossians and Laodiceans received Jesus by faith.  Without the extra help of secret knowledge or divination of stars or Gnostic belief systems.  Faith in Jesus Christ is enough for our salvation.  Sometimes things really are just that simple.  For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.  Faith in Jesus Christ is enough for our salvation.  When Paul writes to the Colossians he is essentially repeating the message of John 3:16.  He lets the Colossians know how much he cares for them, he encourages them to be united in love, and then he tells them to unite in love.  It really is that simple.  Faith in Jesus is enough for our salvation.  Some of the ideas surrounding this week’s text include the terms: 

Godhead

Philosophy

Gnosticism

Now, if you have Wi-Fi in your church Sunday School classroom or wherever you share this lesson, this channel is a good way to teach and discuss this week’s lesson.  With Wi-Fi you can start and stop the lesson when you want to discuss parts of the lesson.  What I provide is a concise overview of background, context, characters, themes and topics; that gets to the point, saves you time, and enhances your own teaching and study.  If that’s what you’re looking for you are in the right place.  The ONLY way I know this is helpful is if you subscribe or click the like button.  So please subscribe or like and then share this site with other Sunday School teachers, preachers, and students across your social media platforms. 

So, with that said, welcome again to SundaySchoolPreacher.com and let’s go to work. 

Background 

The focus of this week’s lesson is hearts united in love.  This letter to the church at Colossae was “intended to be read by the church at Laodicea as well.  Colossae was on the coast of the Lycus River in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)” (New Interpreters Study Bible).  This letter is likely written in the late 50’s or early 60’s AD.  “An earthquake devastated the area in 60 CE, about the time of Paul’s death, and there was probably little left of the city” (NISB). 

Colossians is one of Paul’s prison letters.  He writes these words while imprisoned probably in Rome.  The prison letters also include

Ephesians

Philippians

Philemon

Its central theme is to show the supremacy or completeness of Jesus Christ.  And that the Christian believer does not need anything in addition to Jesus.  In Christ is the fullness of God. 

Paul writes this letter because at some point he heard reports that the Colossians were at least “acknowledging if not worshiping heavenly powers associated with the stars” (NISB). This, in addition to the belief that “food or drink or observing festivals, new moons, or Sabbaths (Col 2:16)” was necessary for salvation all presented a problem that Paul needed to address.  Paul knew there was nothing needed in addition to Jesus Christ. 

This second chapter of Colossians “warns against a particular human tradition about the elemental spirits of the universe, an aspect of astrology that teaches that angels associated with stars controlled human destiny” (NISB).

Some important words to consider from this text include:

Godhead

Philosophy

Circumcision

Baptism

Resurrection

Review of Last Week and How it Connects to This Week

Last week Hebrews 9:11 described Jesus Christ as a High Priest of the good things that have come.  I noted that those good things are salvation, restoration, and redemption provided through Jesus Christ.  We have these good things now because of the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary’s cross. 

I also noted that verse twelve described Jesus as entering once into the Holy Place.  The New Interpreter’s Study Bible noted that “this place is ideal and not an actual place, but pointing to the ultimate reality of Christ’s atoning work”.  In other words, Jesus symbolically entered into the Holy Place with his own blood.  This Holy Place is what we have to look forward to. 

Verses thirteen and fourteen explained that the blood of goats and calves and ashes only sanctifies the outward flesh.  It is Christ’s blood that purifies the conscience or inner person from the dead works of the Old Testament animal sacrifice system.

In verses sixteen and seventeen we noted terminology dealing with the ideas of wills, testaments, and covenants.  The Greek word for covenant is interchangeable with testament.  It is the same term for which we get the phrase “last will and testament”.   

I noted in verse eighteen that the author makes his point; “not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood”.  A sacrifice had to be made for the new covenant to become effective.  It had to be the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

Last week compared the Old Testament sacrifice to the complete and fulfilled sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Last week’s lesson connects to this week’s lesson by showing that the new covenant is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and nothing else is required.  Jesus fulfills the new covenant and in him is the fullness of God.  Townsend, Boyd’s, and Standard Lesson Commentary all title this week’s lesson Hearts United In Love.  The scripture text comes from Colossians 2:1-15. 

What Takes Place in This Passage

The text begins with Paul telling the Colossians and Laodiceans that he is struggling or contending for them.  He wants them to know how much he cares for them.  You might have heard the saying that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.  Even though Paul has never visited the Colossians, he wants them to know that he is concerned and that he cares. 

In verse two he mentions four things he desires for the Colossians.  His desire for the Colossians is

For their hearts to be encouraged

United in love

Full richness and complete understanding

To know the mystery of God in Christ.

Keep in mind that one of the reasons Paul writes this letter is because he has heard reports that they have some involvement with spiritual teachings other than Jesus Christ.  “For Gnostics, knowledge of secret lore was the key to salvation.  For Paul, the only knowledge necessary for salvation was knowing Christ” (NISB).

Verse three continues the same thought mentioning that in Christ are hid the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  Paul writes this to tell the Colossians that there is no salvation in wisdom and knowledge.  But if you desire wisdom and knowledge you can find it in Jesus Christ.  In other words, get to know Christ and you’ll get to know wisdom. 

Verse four is important.  Paul is getting to the point.  He knows there is no salvation in secret knowledge or watching the stars or any of the Gnostic beliefs.  He warns them not to be deceived by fine sounding arguments.  That holds true today, we ought not be deceived just because it sounds good.  You should know what you believe and why you believe it. 

Verse five is a restatement that he cares for them.  Even though he isn’t physically present he is with them in spirit.  He also offers another word of encouragement.  He tells them of his joy that they are disciplined and firm in their faith in Christ. 

Verse six is the central point in this passage and seven underpins it.  Paul is telling them in the same way you received Jesus, just continue that way.  In other words, you don’t need to add anything to what you already have.  You don’t need to add secret knowledge or anything else.  In verse seven he is telling them your foundation was in Christ by faith.  So just stick with faith in Christ Jesus.

Verse eight is a warning against three things rather than complete trust in Christ.  He warns against: 

Hollow and deceptive philosophy

The tradition of men

Spiritual forces of this world

Townsend Commentary notes that “Paul warned the church against believing in human philosophies that were based on empty human traditions instead of the true and divine revelation of Christ”. 

Verses nine and ten says in plain language what all the previous verses were building up to.  In Christ Jesus is the fullness of God.  If you have Christ, you have God, if you have Christ, you don’t need secret knowledge.  If you have Christ, you don’t need to consult the stars for advice.  If you have Christ, you don’t need to Gnostic teaching, beliefs, or anything else.  You are complete in Christ Jesus.  There is no power or authority greater than Jesus.

Verses eleven through thirteen uses symbolism that Paul is familiar with.  Here he talks about:

Circumcision

Baptism / buried and risen

Dead in sins / risen in Christ

Paul is not talking about a physical circumcision.  It’s a spiritual circumcision where the sins of the flesh or unrighteousness is cut away.  When he speaks of being buried with Christ in baptism he uses the symbolism of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  In the same way, our sinful attitudes, behaviors, and unrighteousness is put to death and buried and we arise to a new life of righteousness with our sins forgiven. 

The lesson closes with verses fourteen and fifteen dealing with the legalism of charges against us that has now been replaced by the grace of Jesus on Calvary.

Context

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him.  The Colossians and Laodiceans received Jesus by faith.  Without the extra help of secret knowledge or divination of stars or Gnostic belief systems.  Faith in Jesus Christ is enough for our salvation.  Sometimes things really are just that simple.  For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.  Faith in Jesus Christ is enough for our salvation.  Paul is essentially repeating the message of John 3:16.  He lets the Colossians know how much he cares for them, he encourages them to be united in love, and then he tells them to unite in love.  It really is that simple.  Faith in Jesus is enough for our salvation.   

Key Characters in the text

Jesus Christ – Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah and according to the Christian church the incarnate second Person of the Trinity.  He was crucified on a cross and was raised from the dead by the power of God. 

Paul – A leading persecutor of Christians in the first years of the new faith.  He became a believer in Jesus and one of the most influential voices in the Christian New Testament. 

Key Words

Godhead – The nature or essence of God as Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.    

Philosophy – Love of wisdom.  The study of ultimate reality by the use of human reason, logic, ethics, etc., to answer such questions as: What is real? How do we know? What are we to do?

Gnosticism – An amorphous movement during the early church period which featured complex views that focused on the quest for secret knowledge transmitted only to the “enlightened” and marked by the view that matter is evil.  Gnostics denied the humanity of Jesus.

Unity – Used theologically to describe the oneness between the members of the Godhead, the relationship between God and believers through Jesus Crist, and the relationship of believers in Christ with one another.  Also, a religious movement stressing positive thought and prayer. 

Themes, Topics, Discussion, or Sermon Preparation Ideas

1.  Jesus is enough                                                        

2.  False teaching faces a real Savior.

Questions

1.  This letter warns the Colossians against false philosophies based on secret knowledge and Gnostics beliefs.  No one would believe something that is completely ludicrous.  How do we guard against good sounding arguments that are false?   

2.  Unity sounds like a great goal to achieve.  When should unity be rejected?        

Concluding thought

This week’s study is titled hearts united in love.  I can think of no example where this isn’t a great and admirable goal.  The key here is “in love”.  You can never go wrong operating in love.  However, you can go wrong simply operating in unity.  We should always be united in righteousness and love.  Going along to get along is not a unity that we should strive for.  Unity at the expense of doing what is righteous is also something we should not strive for.  If your unity results in the unrighteous subjection or oppression of others it’s a unity that isn’t based in love.         

Preview of Next Week’s Lesson

Next week we move to the Gospel according to Matthew.  I will explore how Jesus teaches about right attitudes as we study the beatitudes.   We are now focused on the heartfelt covenant of Jesus Christ.