Humility of the Last Prophet

“He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” John 1:27

I think these is a common verse we have read many times in the bible. When John the Baptist spoke these words, he was doing far more than simply complimenting Jesus. He was revealing the depth of Jesus’ greatness and shifting the whole focus on him.

So now let’s unpack this verse in its historical and spiritual context to see why it remains so powerful today.

Now let's first see the cultural context of what John is actually implying when he said 'not worthy to untie his sandals'.

In the first-century Jewish world, daily life involved dusty roads, open sandals, and the necessity of foot washing. Untying sandals and washing someone’s feet was the lowest, most menial task you could imagine. Only slaves were expected to do this job.

Even a disciple someone who followed a teacher or rabbi — would never be expected to untie their master’s sandals.

So when John says, “I’m not worthy to untie His sandals,” he isn’t using casual or poetic language. He’s deliberately placing himself lower than the lowest servant in comparison to Jesus.

This is especially striking because John was no ordinary man in the eyes of the people. He was a prophet, highly respected, and surrounded by crowds eager to hear him preach. Yet, in that moment, he strips away all status, all recognition, and all honor, to point to the One far greater.

So what do we grasp from these, John’s statement is a model of humility for every believer. He knew that Jesus’ greatness, holiness, and authority were infinitely higher than his own.

Despite being chosen by God for a vital role preparing the way for the Messiah John fully understood that he was not the focus of God’s plan. By admitting he wasn’t even worthy of the smallest act of service for Jesus, John redirected all attention to Christ.

This humility is especially meaningful because John’s ministry was thriving at the time. People were flocking to him, wondering if he might be the long-awaited Messiah. Instead of seizing that moment for personal glory, John made it abundantly clear.

"He must become greater; I must become less.” — John 3:30

In a world that often celebrates self-promotion, John’s example is radically countercultural, a reminder that greatness in God’s Kingdom begins with humility.

Our gifts and callings are never about building our own name but about pointing others to Jesus. The closer we get to Christ, the more we realize how undeserving we are yet how deeply we are loved.

When John humbled himself, he didn’t diminish his value in God’s eyes. Instead, his humility magnified the glory of Jesus and prepared the hearts of the people to receive Him.