Word from The WORD: What gives one “worth”?

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

What gives one “worth”?

Isn’t it true that almost everyone in this world tries to show and prove his or her “worth” and value? And worth is more often than not attached to one’s qualification, family or community background, position, job, income, creativity, productivity, etc and people of high status and wealth and popularity are valued highly. But the Bible attached value and gives worth to entirely different things. Let’s take a look at it from Luke 7:1-10 and I am going to bring in the issue of “worth” or “value” from the perspectives of different people involves in this incident.

Worth or Value: The Centurion’s Perspective

I was very much surprised to note that which the centurion valued.

“Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.” Luke 7:2-3 (ESV)

The Bible says that it was his servant who the centurion “highly valued”. But the Bible does not say why he valued him highly. But we learn a very important lesson here. We need to value people irrespective of their work and hierarchy. My ownership of authority should never make me devalue the one who lacks authority or one who submits to my authority.

And the Bible does not just say that the Centurion valued his servant. It goes on to say how he valued him; thereby teaching the ways to show that we value someone.

He loved him “who was dear to him” (Luke 7:2 NKJV)
He was concerned of him when he became sick (Luke 7:2)
He looked out for ways for his servant to be healed (Luke 7:3)
He stooped down & pleaded so that his servant might be healed (Luke 7:3 NKJV)

If I value someone these qualities and actions need to be seen in my life.

Worth or Value: The Jewish Elders’ Perspective

Now let’s see how the elders of the Jews looked at this issue.

“And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”” Luke 7:4-5 (ESV)

The elders of the Jews say that “He (the Centurion) is worthy”. And they give two reasons for valuing him -

He loved the Jews
He did something good for them (built them a synagogue)

Loving and helping others is the key.

Worth or Value: Jesus’ Perspective

“When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”” Luke 7:9 (ESV)

When was it when Jesus marvelled at the Centurion and what quality of him made Jesus to value him more than the Israelites?

“Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Luke 7:6,7 NKJV

He considered himself worthless
The healing of his servant mattered more than his worth

When the Centurion considered himself “worthless” he receives worth from the LORD of all Worth! When I think or show off myself as someone, then I am no one. When I think that I am worthy, in fact I am worthless.

A straight question – you need to go to someone for some work; but that person does not value you. What would be your reaction? At this juncture do we let the work suffer because our worth suffers? Let’s check ourselves.

This fits for any sort of a work and especially when it comes to God’s work. Many a times we do not allow God to work because we are so much bothered and concerned about our worth!

Worth or Value: The blogger’s Perspective

Even as I learnt so much on being worthy from all the above perspectives, I was very much attracted to Jesus. It was an opportunity to show or prove His worth. He was the One the centurion was looking for, the elders were pleading to. He could have talked about Himself – about who He was, about His powers, etc. Rather, he appreciates the centurion! And very silently does a miracle too! No self-promotion, no boasting!! And that’s called to be THE WORTHY.

May the Lord help you and me to change and have the right, biblical perspective and Christ-like attitude.

Also read the other blogs in line with this thought -

Do you see these great.....?

Who is the greatest?

Worthless Servants, Seeking Worth?!