While hanging on the cross, Jesus provided a practical example for Christian men to follow today. “When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son.’ Then, He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ From that hour the disciple took her into his own household” (John 19:26-27). The disciple “whom He loved” is the Apostle John, whom Jesus spent three years teaching, training, and preparing not only for ministry of the Word to Jews and Gentiles but also to care for His mother following His death. Here are four biblical ways to follow in your Savior’s footsteps by providing for the woman closest to you after you die.
Raise Godly Children
In 1 Timothy 5, Paul instructs Timothy, saying, “but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God” (v. 4). When godly husbands, fathers, and grandfathers die, their wives should reap the benefit of his lifelong discipleship of their children and grandchildren. While you are alive, you must set an example of physical and spiritual provision for your wife such that your children and grandchildren know how to care for her after your death. Providing housing, sharing meals, driving her to appointments, and attending church together are some examples that you must teach your children and grandchildren to offer your wife such that they may “make some return to their parents” upon your death (1 Tim. 5:4).
Attend a Church that Cares for Widows
In the same chapter of his first epistle to Timothy, Paul instructs the church to “honor widows” (v. 3). Paul qualifies what an honorable widow is for Timothy but the overall thrust of this verse is to show that the local church possesses a divinely given obligation to care for the widows among her. If you and your wife find a church that faithfully follows God, preaches the gospel, and cares for widows, spend your life serving there as members. Then when you die, be assured, the church will care for her the same way you saw it care for widows while you lived. Conversely, if your church is not caring for widows now, do not expect them to care for your wife well upon your death.
Wash Your Wife in the Word
Ephesians 5:25 instructs Christian men to wash their wives in the Word. For practical ways to carry out this blessed command, see How to Wash Your Wife in the Word. For now, consider the benefits of spending time each day in God’s Word with your wife. Again, in 1 Timothy 5, Paul says, “Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day . . . A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work” (vv. 5, 9-10). The church’s faithfulness to the widow is dependent upon the widow’s faithfulness to Christ. When you, Christian husband, devote yourself to washing your wife in the Word, she is more likely to demonstrate the fruit of your time together throughout her life (Ps. 119:105; John 17:17; Rom. 10:17). Then, when you die, her three scores of life and Christian character will make her eligible to come under the care of the local church.
Buy Life Insurance
Okay, it does not have to be life insurance, but you should be working toward some reliable form of financial provision for your wife when you die. Paul’s instructions for family members to care for the widow within their family are intended to prevent burdening the church (1 Tim. 5:17). Similarly, if your wife is financially cared for at your death, she will not place financial strain upon your church or children. The ant “prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest” (Prov. 6:8). Christian husbands follow the wisdom of this proverb when they save their money while they are alive so that their wife may reap his harvest at his death.
Conclusion
As sons of God, we reap tremendous benefits from our Savior’s death. We should provide the same service for our wives. If you are not postured to do so, examine the list above for practical help to follow Christ’s example on the cross and start taking steps to provide for the woman closest to you after you die.
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