In today’s episode, we turn our attention to Jesus as our Shepherd. Reading Luke 2:1–20, we reflect on the wonder that God chose shepherds, men in a lowly and often overlooked occupation, to be the first witnesses of Christ’s birth. These humble shepherds hurried to the manger and bowed before the newborn King, foreshadowing the way Jesus would one day call Himself the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and lays down His life for them. Join us as we trace the beauty, humility, and promise woven through this part of the Christmas story and see how Jesus continues to shepherd His people with tenderness and strength.

In this episode, we explore how the birth narrative of Jesus reveals Him as the fulfillment of Israel’s deepest longings. Reading Luke 1:67–80, we trace the prophetic words of Zechariah and look back to several Old Testament prophets to understand how Jesus is the true prophet God promised throughout the ages. Together, we discover how Jesus is the true and better Prophet—He not only speaks the words of God, He is the Word of God.

For the rest of our Advent series, we will consider how Jesus embodies the roles of Shepherd, Priest, and King, bringing comfort, intercession, and righteous rule to His people. Join us as we see how every part of the Christmas story points to the One who came to rescue, redeem, and reign forever.

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In today's episode we take an inspiring look at the covenants of the Bible — the sacred vows made and upheld by God. A covenant is more than a contract; it’s a divine promise that reveals God’s unchanging faithfulness to His people. From the covenants with Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, and David to the New Covenant fulfilled through Jesus Christ, each one points to the ultimate redemption found at the cross.

As Bible students, understanding these covenants helps us see the story of Scripture as one seamless thread of God’s love — showing our need for Him, His steadfast character, and His unbreakable promises. Join us as we trace the covenants through the Bible and discover how they deepen our trust in the One who always keeps His word.

Homework:

Choose one covenant and read the scripture passage. Summarize it in your own words.

• Edenic Covenant: Genesis 1:26–28
• Adamic Covenant: Genesis 3:14–19
• Noahic Covenant: Genesis 9:8–17
• Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 12:1–3, 15:1–21, 17
• Mosaic Covenant: Exodus 19–24, 20:1–31:18
• Davidic Covenant: 2 Samuel 7:5–16, 1 Chronicles 17:4–15

In this episode, we talk about how and why to study God’s Word through every season of life—whether you’re a young mother in a busy chapter, walking through a season of grief, or entering a time of quiet abundance and reflection. God’s Word is not just a book—it’s our life, our sustenance, and our anchor when the waves of life rise high or the days feel long.

We’ll share practical Bible study tips for different life seasons, encouragement for studying Scripture when grief runs deep, and reminders that God meets us right where we are—in joy, sorrow, or stillness. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay connected to the truth of Scripture through life’s ups and downs, this episode will help you find stability and hope in the One who never changes.

Find more writings at Heather's Substack, Where Riches Dwell.

When you open your Bible, do you know what kind of writing you’re reading? In this episode we dive into the genres of the Bible—from poetry and prophecy to narrative, wisdom literature, law, and letters—and why recognizing them is essential for accurate Bible study and interpretation. Understanding the literary genres in Scripture helps us read God’s Word as it was intended, uncovering deeper meaning, cultural context, and timeless truth. Join us as we explore how knowing the different genres of the Bible transforms the way we study, understand, and apply Scripture in our everyday lives.

HOMEWORK:

In your own Bible mark the different genres we discussed today. You can use brackets to delineate the different genres, or perhaps different colored pencils. If you have space, write a few words next to each genre to help you remember the basic information of that particular genre.

RESOURCES:

Literarily by Kristie Anyabwile

Find more of Heather's writings at her Substack, Where Riches Dwell.

In this episode we talk about the lens through which women can study Scripture and how to approach hard Bible passages about women. We discuss how to interpret Paul’s writings on women in the church, explore resources for women studying the Bible, and take a closer look at Ruth in the Bible as a model of faith and courage. If you’ve ever wrestled with understanding difficult verses about women in Scripture, this conversation will help you find clarity, confidence, and deeper connection to God’s Word.

RESOURCES:

Warren Wiersbe Bible Commentary

The New Testament In Color

Cultural Study Bible

Blue Letter Bible

Vindicating the Vixen

In this heart-to-heart wrap-up of our Bible Study Besties journey through Ruth, we reminisce on the powerful lessons we’ve gathered along the way. From rich analogies of the seed of hope and the beauty of a spiritual harvest, to the breathtaking love of God revealed on Boaz’s threshing floor, we celebrate God’s faithfulness on every page. We also unpack the fascinating history of the sandal exchange, explore the joyful ending of Ruth, and—most importantly—trace the lineage of Ruth and Boaz’s son all the way to King David, pointing directly to Jesus, our Redeemer. (Hot Tip: Don't skip those genealogies! They are proof of the faithfulness of God.) Join us as we rejoice in the God who weaves redemption into every generation.

HOMEWORK:

As we close the final chapter of Ruth, open Matthew 1 and trace the genealogy of Jesus. Seeing Boaz’s name there might spark an unexpected aha! of God’s perfect plan.

Email us your top of head and top of heart! We look forward to reading them on the podcast next week! biblestudybestiespodcast@gmail.com

Also, send us any of your Bible Study questions! We have another Q&A coming up soon!

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https://substack.com/@heatherjjonsson

In this episode, we explore how Boaz became the redeemer for Naomi and Ruth, and how this points us directly to Jesus Christ, our ultimate Redeemer. Just as Boaz paid the price to rescue Ruth, Christ shed His blood on the cross to buy us back from sin and death. We’ll dig into the biblical definition of a “redeemer” and trace the Hebrew word go’el through the Old Testament, uncovering its rich layers of meaning. Join us as we see how God’s redemption story weaves from Ruth all the way to the cross of Christ.

HOMEWORK:

1) In your Bible Study Besties journal, take time to pray and consider the impact of God's redemption in your life. Reflect on seasons and circumstances God has already redeemed.

2) Recap the book of Ruth with "lessons learned." Ask yourself, what is the heart of the matter in this book? Note this in your Bible Study Besties journal, or in your Bible at the beginning of Ruth. These are the things you want to remember top of your head and top of your heart.

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