For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Summary: At first glance this passage seems to imbue husbands with authority, but on closer examination we see that the point of Paul’s words is very different. You might say they are humbling.
Who is Paul talking about in this verse: husbands or wives? Doesn’t it sound like he is focusing on the husband? Paul is comparing the role and position of the husband in the family to the role of Christ as head of the church. If we want to know what God expects from a husband, we need to look to Jesus as our example.
The first thing Jesus did for his bride, the church, was to come down from heaven (John 6:51). That may sound like a small thing, but it was not. It was the most amazing event in human history.
It helps to keep things in perspective here.
Jesus didn’t “get to” come to earth and become a man as some kind of prize. He wasn’t becoming a man so he could enjoy all the perks that come with being flesh and blood. Instead, it was a necessity if he wanted to have the church for his bride.
So he came to earth and became a man.
Then what did he do? What did the King of kings do when he got to earth? He did what his parents told him to do. He was obedient to them (Luke 2:51). Even when he was older, after his step-father Joseph had died and he was officially the head of the family, he did what his mother asked (John 2: 1-12).
In Jesus’ day, it was traditional for the groom to pay a price for his bride. The more exotic the bride, the higher the “bride-price.” (Genesis 34:12) The bride Jesus had in mind for himself was the most costly of all brides. She had originally been his from the beginning but had been stolen away by sin, and now he was back in town to reclaim his bride at any price.
The price Jesus paid for his bride was much more than money. He gave himself (1 John 3:16). He accepted the abuse, the misunderstanding of followers, the betrayal of a disciple, and condemnation from the very leaders he put in place to care for his people. Then he allowed the people he came to claim as his own to put him on trial, falsely accuse him, then mock him and beat him before nailing him to a cross to die.
He did all of that for his bride. He still lives. He still bears the scars from the abuse. Yet, somehow, he still loves his bride and wants us to be with him.
That is the example Jesus set for husbands.
Application: Husbands, man up!
Food for Thought: In Luke 9:48, Jesus says, “For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” How do Jesus’ words apply to husbands?
In Luke 9:48, Jesus says, “For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” How do Jesus’ words apply to husbands?
There are so many stories of men that achieved great status in life through work or accomplishments, yet their wives felt shut out, poor in spirit, because their husbands did not make their life together a priority. There are also many stories of men who lived with very little status or accomplishment, but their wives felt rich in spirit because of the love they received from their husband. What attributes make up a “great husband?” Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. All of those attributes speak to humility and a Christ-centered heart. A husband like that may seem meek, but holds great strength of character. Elasticity.
Thank you, Chris!
Great application of Galatians 5:22-23.
I also appreciate you pointing to meekness as a positive trait. In many ways, meekness is defined by self-control. It provides a buffer for the volatility of our emotions.
We are to love our wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5: 25). This will definitely require service and taking the position of the least.
Amen, Rich!
09-07-2023, In Luke 9:48, Jesus says, “For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” How do Jesus’ words apply to husbands?
The kingdom of God is sometimes today referred to as backward, out of date beliefs, because in stand in stark contrast to the world’s values which are in reality, at increasing speed, becoming the truly kingdom of decay ruled by the perverted values of mankind.
Godly leadership is servant leadership. The head of a household is to be the role model for everyone else. If he wants the family to speak kindly and respectfully, he must model that type of speech. If a husband wants his wife to honor him, he must honor her. Headship is not a dictatorship. The head of a household seeks wisdom, prays through issues, and then gently instructs the rest of the body in the direction it should go. If the senior member of a household is not functioning as a healthy head, the entire family suffers. Mark 10:44, Ephesians 4:1-3, Luke 14:11, John 13:3-5
When God handed out roles for the family, He placed the heaviest burden on the men. Headship may sound like superiority until we actually read God’s expectations. The head of a household is responsible before God for the spiritual and emotional well-being of the family. God judged Eli for not restraining his wicked sons. Eli knew about their evil actions but did nothing about it, so God held Eli responsible as the head of the household 1 Samuel 3:13.
Ron,
I think you summed things up nicely with “Headship is not a dictatorship.”
Well said!