20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. (In stark contrast to this trial…..notice how Jesus calls them out) 

This campaign to misrepresent God has continued from the very beginning of mankind and has continued until this very hour. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent straight forwardly and maliciously attacked Eve’s established view and understanding of God’s goodness and nature. Satan still today uses the gap between our understanding of God and who He actually is to manipulate us into fear and doubt. 

6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.

Feet as symbols of

 transformation: 

Revelation and Faith

Psalm 119:105

Worship and Holiness:

Exodus 3:5

Symbol of Faithful Service: 

Romans 10:15

Service and Preparation

Ephesians 6:15-17

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Humility and Self Sacrifice

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Now we see a different Naomi, one who has been trained by suffering and taught to again trust Her God! Through the unpleasantness of suffering, Naomi has learned to trust the love of God! Naomi was placed in a position where she was forced to see the gradually increasing provision and love of God as He provided for her and Ruth! 

In Paul’s time, people used clay pots for everything, as decorations and to hide valuables. Jesus has, as it were, hidden the greatest value in clay pots..us. We look relatively plain on the outside but within us is God the Holy Spirit and the power of the gospel! The wonderful thing is that the more we share the gospel, the more precious and valuable it becomes to us and others. The more you give out the gospel the closer you get to Jesus Christ and the more you can relate to those in the Bible who did the same. 

Our Living High Priest, Jesus Christ

In the last lesson we saw the protection of believers as Jesus is praying this High Priestly prayer on behalf of all who are given to Him by the Father. Today we dive a bit deeper into this prayer and see that the application of it is particular to all who believe in the past, now and forever. This prayer and its specifics are eternal because God who is praying and who is being prayed too is eternal!

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 

The Embedded Narrative of God Psalm 23 

I would like to take a break from the Ruth story to discuss something amazing but still use the overall narrative of Ruth’s story to show a very interesting thing about the Bible. Most people know that the Bible has over 60 thousand cross references and connected verses that are prophetic, prophecy fulfillment and is a tapestry of interwoven literature and most of these writers never knew or met the other in life. I would like to take that a bit deeper today although in and of itself the interconnectedness of scripture is amazing and God. 

Psalms

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

John 17; 13-16 Jesus Prepares Us for Life and Service! 

The Gospel of John 17:11-  The Protection of God for believers! 

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

12While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.