As we take time to have a good time the incredible women who’ve positively shaped world history this International Women’s Day, it’s equally, if not, more necessary to honour the remarkable women in God’s history whose faith continues to encourage generations.
Among them, Ruth from the Old Testament and Mary of Bethany from the New Testament stand out as profound examples of devotion, trust, and selfless love. Their lives offer timeless invaluable lessons that we will apply to our own spiritual journey.
Ruth: a story of loyalty, selflessness, and God’s windfall
Let’s begin with Ruth whose story will be present in the Book of Ruth.
A Moabite woman, she became a widow after 10 years of marriage to Mahlon, the son of Naomi, an Israelite woman. Tragedy struck their family – Naomi lost her husband Elimelech, and each of her sons died, leaving her and her daughters-in-law with none male relatives to offer for them.
In her grief and with nothing left in Moab, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, urging Ruth and her other daughter-in-law, Orpah, to stay in Moab and rebuild their lives.
While Orpah selected to remain, Ruth made a radical and selfless decision. She refused to go away Naomi’s side, famously declaring, “Don’t urge me to go away you or to show back from you. Where you go, I’ll go, and where you stay, I’ll stay. Your people will likely be my people and your God my God,” (Ruth 1:16).
Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth worked tirelessly, gleaning within the fields of Boaz, a wealthy and honourable landowner, who was a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Her diligence, humility, and loyalty caught Boaz’s attention, and he prolonged kindness, protection, and provision for her.
Encouraged by Naomi, Ruth later approached Boaz on the threshing floor, symbolically asking him to redeem her through marriage (Ruth 3:9). Boaz, moved by Ruth’s character, ensured that every one legal matters were settled and married her, securing each her and Naomi’s future.
Their marriage was blessed with a son, Obed, who became the grandfather of King David, placing Ruth within the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).
What we learn from Ruth’s faith
Ruth’s faith teaches us the ability of loyalty, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God’s plan, even when the longer term is uncertain.
Despite being a Moabite, she chooses to go away behind her homeland, culture, and security to follow Naomi to Bethlehem, fully committing herself to Naomi’s people and, most significantly, to God.
Her humility, and diligence and selflessness are evident in her willingness to glean within the fields, working tirelessly to offer for Naomi despite her own hardships.
Ruth’s faithfulness was rewarded when God orchestrated her marriage to Boaz, placing her within the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. This serves as a gorgeous testament to how God can use faithful obedience to fulfil His greater purpose and the way nobody is beyond the reach of God’s redemptive plan.
Parallels between Ruth and Jesus’ faith
Ruth’s faith and Jesus’ mission share striking similarities, particularly of their selflessness, obedience, and role in redemption.
Just as Ruth left her homeland to embrace a recent people and a recent life, Jesus left His heavenly throne to dwell amongst humanity, fully embracing our struggles and suffering (Philippians 2:6-8).
Ruth sacrificed her own comfort to serve Naomi, just as Jesus sacrificed His life for the salvation of the world.
Both displayed faith in humble and selfless service – Ruth gleaning within the fields and Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, ultimately giving His life on the cross for all of mankind (John 13:12-17).
Ultimately, each played a task in God’s redemptive plan – Ruth became a part of Jesus’ lineage, while Jesus Himself became the last word Redeemer.
Mary of Bethany: A heart fully dedicated to Christ
Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, appears within the Gospels in three key moments.
The first time we meet Mary, she is sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening intently to His teachings, while her sister, Martha, is preoccupied with household tasks (Luke 10:38-42). When Martha complains, Jesus gently reminds her that Mary has chosen what is really necessary – being in His presence. This moment teaches us that intimacy with God should take priority over worldly distractions or busyness.
The second key moment occurs after the death of her brother, Lazarus (John 11:28-35). When Jesus arrives, Mary falls at His feet in grief, saying, “Lord, in the event you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died,” (John 11:32). Instead of doubting, she expresses sorrow while still acknowledging Jesus’ power. Her faith moves Jesus deeply, and in response, He performs one among His best miracles – raising Lazarus from the dead.
The final and most profound moment occurs shortly before Jesus’ crucifixion when Mary anoints Jesus with costly perfume (John 12:1-8; Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9). Pouring out perfume price a yr’s wages, she wipes His feet together with her hair in an act of extravagant love and give up. When criticised, Jesus defends her, declaring, “She has done a gorgeous thing to me…She did what she could She poured perfume on my body beforehand to arrange for my burial. Truly I inform you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done may even be told, in memory of her,” (Mark 14:6-9). Her worship was costly and selfless, demonstrating a heart fully surrendered to Jesus.
What we learn from Mary’s faith
Mary’s story teaches us that true faith is expressed in deep devotion, worship, and give up. She teaches us to hunt God’s presence above all else, trust Jesus even in sorrow, and offer Him our highest.
Her love was not conditional – it was pure, sacrificial, and centred on Jesus alone.
Parallels between Mary and Jesus’ faith
Mary’s faith mirrors Jesus’ own heart in profound ways.
Just as she prioritised being with Jesus, He often withdrew to spend time with the Father, showing that intimacy with God is crucial.
When she fell at His feet in grief, it echoed Jesus in Gethsemane, where He fell before the Father, surrendering to His will (Matthew 26:39).
Her breaking of the alabaster jar foreshadowed Jesus’ own body being broken for the world.
Both Ruth and Mary of Bethany exemplify unshakable faith, selflessness, and devotion to God. Ruth’s story teaches us loyalty, perseverance, and trust in God’s plan, while Mary of Bethany reminds us of the importance of worship, give up, and lavish love for Christ. Both women embodied the guts of Christ.
As we have a good time International Women’s Day, may we be inspired by their stories to trust God fully, serve with humility, and offer Him our highest.
