“Glimpses Of Gospel Teaching” - 1/23/25
While studying Ruth 4:1-12 (and still studying), I came across a statement made by one commentator (as an aside) that this event reflected teaching the gospel message today. In this study, I want to be careful not to suggest Boaz was teaching the gospel to someone, for he was not. Yet, the comment I read made me see some principles in this text worthy of consideration when we teach someone the truth (Rom. 15:4).
“Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! Turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down” (Ruth 4:1). What principles in gospel teaching do we see here? First, notice that Boaz went where he thought the man would be (the gate, a place of public gathering and legal transactions in ancient times). Second, Boaz waited patiently for the man to arrive at the gate. Third, when the man arrived, Boaz opened his mouth and spoke to the person. Finally, the man sat down to talk to Boaz.
These simple principles are seen in every opportunity we have to speak the truth to others (Jn. 17:17). First, do we go where the people are (as Jesus, Paul, and others did, Lk. 4:16; Jn. 18:20; Acts 17:2)? We will not be effective if we are not showing an interest in others. We need to have our eyes open for opportunities to teach, whether we are teaching our children (Eph. 6:4), our spouses (I Pet. 3:1-6), friends, strangers, etc.
Notice Boaz’s patience as he went to the gate, sat down, and waited (Ruth 4:1). Often, this is the hardest part of teaching. We need to have patience – patience to wait and see the opportunities to teach and patience to allow the seed to germinate in the heart of the one(s) listening (Lk. 8:15). Boaz had to wait for the man to arrive and then had to be patient as he told the kinsman about Naomi and Ruth and waited for his decision.
The text shows us that Boaz had to speak up as well. Had Boaz not spoken, perhaps the kinsman would have walked past him. When Boaz spoke, it got the man’s attention, and he was diverted from the path he was on as he sat down and listened to what Boaz had to say. In spiritual terms, we need to stop people walking toward the grave and get their attention (Matt. 5:2, 13:35; Acts 8:35, 10:34; Eph. 6:18-19). We need to encourage people to listen to the message (Acts 2:22). Then, as Jesus said, plant the seed (Lk. 8:11) and then wait for the seed to germinate and grow in the hearts of men (Lk. 8:15).
Finally, notice that the man not only heard the request to sit down, but the kinsman had to sit down (Ruth 4:1)! In other words, there is action that is incumbent upon the listener. The kinsman might have heard Boaz’s request and said he was too busy. He might have said he was meeting someone else or whatever. The fact that the man willingly listened made all the difference. In like manner, we can only do so much when teaching the gospel. As much as we appreciate the true power therein (Rom. 1:16-17), we cannot force someone to listen (Rev. 22:17). Even Jesus did not have 100% of the people listen to Him (Jn. 6:66). Nor did Paul (Acts 17:32-34). Solomon says that wisdom cries out, but not all listen (Prov. 8). The Lord holds us responsible for getting the word out to people (II Tim. 2:2), but He does not hold us responsible for someone’s response (Ezek. 3:16-21, 33:2-9). The response to the gospel is up to the listener (Jas. 1:22-25).
Are there not many amazing lessons in this short book? Again, I am not suggesting that Boaz was interested in teaching the kinsman the gospel, but Boaz’s approach to the man parallels how we can find and teach someone God’s truth today. Let us be inspired by Boaz’s actions and apply this nugget of truth to our lives as we lead others to the Lord (Rom. 15:4).
- Jarrod M. Jacobs