John 1:27

"It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose."

Worth. What is it? It's something of value, something of importance and significance to another. If something has worth, it is desired by others, thereby increasing its esteem. But it's almost always relative to something else. In order for something to have worth, it's usually (but not always) compared to something of similar design and purpose so that the one who compares can determine whether the desired item is worth the expense when held up against its competition. This is one fundamental and foundational principle behind the concept of free enterprise and capitalism. I grew up holding these values as dear.

But free enterprise, capitalism and competition have no belonging in Jesus' economy, none whatsoever. My worth is found in Him, but relative to Him it's nothing. If it were not for Him I would have no worth all. This is why John the Baptist could say the things he said about Jesus when comparing himself to Christ. "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30), by way of example. He had to do this because the throngs thought he might be the Messiah.

A slave was a hired hand that might even be worthy enough to take off his master's sandals/shoes. But John the Baptist? He said his worth was not even that low. It was lower than low.

So rather than focus this passage on me and my worth, what it really does is focus my attention on Him and His worth. And when I take my eyes off of me, then I'm able to see Jesus through a lens that is free of obstructions and distortions.

I do not want to loose His sandal straps. I want to keep my head low, looking at His dirty, pierced and blood-stained feet, worshipping Him prostrate until He reaches down, softly touches my tear-soaked chin with His fingers, and says, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Even mine.