Jesus’ teachings about wives, while not always direct, are deeply woven into his broader message of love, unity, and mutual respect within marriage. He affirmed that marriage is a sacred, God-ordained union—”one flesh” bound together not just physically but spiritually. In this framework, both husband and wife are called to live in harmony, loving and supporting one another with the same selfless love Jesus showed his followers. This kind of partnership transcends cultural expectations, focusing instead on shared purpose, deep respect, and spiritual connection.
Though Jesus didn’t define specific roles for wives, his principles of humility, compassion, and service apply equally to both partners. When paired with Paul’s teachings—especially in Ephesians—this reveals a picture of mutual submission, where a wife’s respect and a husband’s sacrificial love mirror the relationship between Christ and the Church. Jesus also underscored the power of communication, unity, prayer, and forgiveness as essential to maintaining a healthy and thriving marriage. Keep reading to explore how these timeless teachings can transform your view of marriage and empower you to build a relationship rooted in grace, strength, and unwavering love.
Understanding what Jesus said about wives can offer profound insights into Christian marriage and the roles within it. Jesus’ teachings highlight the sanctity of marriage, the equality of partners, and the importance of love and respect. Let’s dive into what Jesus said and how these teachings can impact your marriage.
Marriage: A Sacred Union
The Foundation of Marriage
Jesus viewed marriage as a sacred and divine institution. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus says, “Haven’t you read… that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This passage underscores that marriage is not just a social contract but a spiritual union. Jesus emphasizes the permanence and unity of marriage, indicating that it’s designed to be a lifelong commitment. By becoming “one flesh,” husband and wife are to live in harmony, supporting and loving each other unconditionally.
The Role of Wives
While Jesus didn’t explicitly outline distinct roles for wives, his broader teachings on love, service, and humility apply to both husbands and wives. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 5:22-24, expands on Jesus’ teachings, advising, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 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. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”
Understanding Submission
The concept of submission can be challenging, especially in modern contexts. However, it’s crucial to understand that biblical submission is not about inferiority or loss of autonomy. It’s about mutual respect and love. Just as the church willingly follows Christ out of love and trust, a wife’s submission is meant to be a voluntary act of love and respect towards her husband.
Paul’s call for wives to submit is paired with an equally significant command for husbands to love their wives “just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). This kind of love is self-sacrificial and nurturing, emphasizing that both partners have profound and complementary responsibilities.
Mutual Love and Respect
Love as a Commandment
Jesus’ teachings are rooted in love. In John 13:34, Jesus gives a new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” This commandment extends to the marital relationship. A wife is called to love her husband deeply and genuinely, reflecting the love Christ has for all.
Respect in Marriage
Respect is another cornerstone of Jesus’ teachings on relationships. In Matthew 7:12, Jesus teaches the Golden Rule: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Applying this principle to marriage means treating your spouse with the same respect and consideration you desire.
Communication and Understanding
Effective communication is vital in demonstrating love and respect. Jesus exemplified compassionate communication throughout his ministry, always seeking to understand and connect with those he spoke to. For a wife, this means listening to her husband, expressing her needs and concerns clearly, and working together to resolve conflicts amicably.
The Power of Unity
Praying Together
Jesus emphasized the power of unity and collective prayer. In Matthew 18:19-20, he says, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
For a married couple, praying together strengthens their bond and brings them closer to God. It’s a powerful way to seek guidance, give thanks, and find strength in challenging times.
Supporting Each Other
Jesus’ teachings also highlight the importance of support and encouragement within relationships. In John 15:12, he instructs, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” This love involves being there for one another, offering encouragement, and helping each other grow spiritually and emotionally.
Forgiveness and Grace
No marriage is without its challenges. Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness are crucial in maintaining a healthy relationship. In Matthew 6:14-15, he teaches, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Forgiveness allows couples to move past mistakes and grow stronger together. It’s about letting go of grudges and extending grace to one another, just as Christ has done for us.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teachings on wives, marriage, and relationships emphasize love, respect, unity, and forgiveness. By embodying these principles, you can build a strong, loving, and enduring marriage. Remember, marriage is a journey that requires ongoing effort, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to living out the teachings of Christ. By striving to love and support your spouse as Jesus loves and supports us, you can create a harmonious and fulfilling marital relationship.
FAQs On Jesus About Wives
1. What did Jesus say about the role of wives in marriage?
Jesus emphasized the sanctity and unity of marriage but did not explicitly outline distinct roles for wives. However, his teachings on love, service, and humility apply to both husbands and wives. The Apostle Paul elaborated on this, advising wives to submit to their husbands out of love and respect, just as the church submits to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24).
2. Does submission mean that wives are inferior to their husbands?
No, submission in the biblical context is not about inferiority or loss of autonomy. It is a voluntary act of love and respect. Both partners have complementary responsibilities, and submission should be mutual, reflecting a deep, self-sacrificial love similar to how Christ loves the church.
3. How should love be expressed in a marriage according to Jesus’ teachings?
Jesus commanded us to love one another as he has loved us (John 13:34). In marriage, this means loving your spouse deeply and genuinely. This love is demonstrated through acts of kindness, understanding, and self-sacrifice.
4. What role does respect play in a Christian marriage?
Respect is fundamental in a Christian marriage. Jesus taught the Golden Rule: to treat others as you would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). Applying this principle in marriage means treating your spouse with the same respect and consideration you desire, fostering a healthy and harmonious relationship.
5. How important is communication in a marriage?
Effective communication is crucial in demonstrating love and respect. Jesus exemplified compassionate communication, always seeking to understand and connect with others. In marriage, this means actively listening to your spouse, expressing your needs and concerns clearly, and working together to resolve conflicts.
6. How can couples strengthen their unity according to Jesus’ teachings?
Couples can strengthen their unity through prayer, mutual support, and shared spiritual growth. Jesus emphasized the power of unity and collective prayer (Matthew 18:19-20). Praying together, supporting each other, and growing together spiritually are key ways to enhance unity in marriage.
7. What did Jesus teach about forgiveness in marriage?
Jesus taught the importance of forgiveness in maintaining healthy relationships. He said that forgiving others is essential for receiving forgiveness from God (Matthew 6:14-15). In marriage, forgiveness allows couples to move past mistakes and grow stronger together by letting go of grudges and extending grace to one another.
8. How can couples apply Jesus’ teachings to their marriage?
Couples can apply Jesus’ teachings by embodying principles of love, respect, unity, and forgiveness. This involves loving and supporting each other as Jesus loves us, communicating effectively, praying together, and practicing forgiveness. By doing so, couples can build a strong, loving, and enduring marriage.
9. Are there any specific Bible verses that highlight the importance of mutual love and respect in marriage?
Yes, several Bible verses highlight mutual love and respect in marriage. Ephesians 5:25-33 emphasizes the husband’s duty to love his wife as Christ loves the church, and Ephesians 5:22-24 advises wives to submit to their husbands out of respect. The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) and the commandment to love one another (John 13:34) also apply to marital relationships.
10. What can couples do to keep their marriage strong and healthy?
Couples can keep their marriage strong and healthy by consistently applying Jesus’ teachings: loving and respecting each other, communicating openly, praying together, supporting one another, and practicing forgiveness. Regularly revisiting these principles and making them a part of daily life helps build a resilient and fulfilling marriage.
