Today’s Episode is a Replay of Episode 661: “Faith and Redemption, ” which features a first-person monologue from Naomi, reflecting on the events recorded in the book of Ruth.

The story of Naomi appears in the book of Ruth. Naomi lived during the time of the judges. She was the wife of a man named Elimelech, and they lived in Bethlehem with their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. Naomi’s life illustrates the power of God to bring something good out of bitter circumstances.

When a famine hits Judea, Elimelech and Naomi and their two boys relocate to Moab (Ruth 1:1). There, Mahlon and Chilion marry two Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After about ten years, tragedy strikes. Elimelech dies, and both of Naomi’s sons also die, leaving Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah widows (Ruth 1:3–5). Naomi, hearing that the famine in Judea was over, decides to return home (Ruth 1:6). Orpah stays in Moab, but Ruth chooses to move to the land of Israel with Naomi. The book of Ruth is the story of Naomi and Ruth returning to Bethlehem and how Ruth married a man named Boaz and bore a son, Obed, who became the grandfather of David and the ancestor of Jesus.

The Old Testament sets the stage for Jesus by presenting Him through prophetic titles and metaphors that deepen our understanding of His mission. Titles like Shiloh in Genesis 49:10 reveal Jesus as the one who brings peace and rest, fulfilling the promises of the Messiah. Similarly, the Man with the Measuring Line in Zechariah symbolizes Jesus as the restorer of God’s people, expanding the spiritual boundaries of His kingdom. The imagery of the Refiner’s Fire and Fuller’s Soap in Malachi illustrates His purifying work, transforming believers into a holy people prepared to dwell in God’s presence.

The New Testament reveals Jesus more explicitly through a wide array of names and titles, each highlighting different aspects of His character and mission. As the Lamb of God, He is the ultimate sacrifice for sin; as the Bread of Life, He sustains and nourishes His people. Titles like Alpha and Omega, the Good Shepherd, and the King of Kings emphasize His divinity, His care for humanity, and His eternal authority. Through His names, the New Testament portrays Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and the central figure of God’s redemptive plan.

Each name and title of Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. They remind us that He is not just a historical figure but our Savior, King, and Friend. By exploring these names, we gain a fuller understanding of who Jesus is and what He means for our lives today. As we study Scripture, we are encouraged to ask, “What does this teach me about Jesus?” allowing His names to transform not just our knowledge but our hearts.

The Bible is not merely a collection of ancient texts but a divine treasure map leading us to Jesus Christ, the ultimate treasure. In John 5:39, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for diligently studying the Scriptures yet failing to recognize Him as the fulfillment of those sacred writings. From Genesis to Revelation, every book, prophecy, and narrative points to Jesus—His life, mission, and redemptive work. As believers, we are invited to approach Scripture not just for knowledge but to encounter the living Word, allowing it to deepen our relationship with Christ.

To see Jesus in the Scriptures, we must look for His character, mission, and foreshadowing throughout its pages. The Old Testament reveals Him through Messianic prophecies, types like Joseph and Moses, and events like the Passover and the Day of Atonement, which point to His ultimate sacrifice. The New Testament unveils His life, death, and resurrection while reminding us of His promise to return. Whether in familiar verses or challenging passages, asking questions like “What does this teach me about Jesus?” or “How does this reveal God’s plan for redemption?” helps us uncover the Christ-centered message of the Bible.

The study of Scripture must not stop at intellectual understanding; it must lead to personal transformation. As we internalize the truths of God’s Word, the Holy Spirit shapes our thoughts, actions, and relationships to reflect Christ. Furthermore, the Scriptures empower us to share the gospel with others, pointing them to the Savior revealed in its pages. By seeking Jesus in our study, allowing His Word to transform our lives, and sharing His love with others, we fulfill the purpose for which the Bible was given: to testify of Him and draw us into a deeper relationship with our Creator and Redeemer.