What do we mean when we say Jesus is worthy? It’s a term we use commonly in our worship, and for good reason. But what exactly do we mean?

As we approach Easter Sunday, where we will lift our voices together and sing of the worthy, risen Lamb, I thought it would be good to stop and meditate together on the worthiness of Christ in order that our worship might be richer and fuller.

Here are three things that I think we mean when we worship Jesus as worthy.

1. Jesus is valuable. 

• “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then, in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” – Matthew 13:44
  
• “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.” – John 4:14

We worship Jesus because we have discovered him to be the most valuable thing that life has to offer. He ransomed us from sin. He restored us to the Father. He satisfies every longing in our hearts. We have drunk from the fountain of living water, and we have found that nothing else in life even comes close to quenching the thirst of our souls compared to Jesus.

The book of Ecclesiastes essentially reads as the manifesto of a man who set out to discover whether or not life had any pleasure to offer that was greater than God and came up empty. This world offers us nothing like Jesus. All the activities and fleeting pleasures of life, apart from Christ, are broken cisterns that hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13). Living water is found only in Christ.

Jesus is so valuable and satisfying that he is worth everything we could ever hope to possess. As Paul said, “I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8)

So when we worship Jesus as worthy, we are saying that he is infinitely valuable. His worth has no limit. He is the pearl of great price. He is the most precious thing we could ever possess in this age and every age to come. Nothing compares. To have Christ is to have everything our soul will ever long for.

2. Jesus is qualified.

• “And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven, on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look into it. and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” – Revelation 5:2-3

Do you remember the story of King Arthur and the sword in the stone? In the legend, the sword (Excalibur) could only be pulled from the stone by the “true king”—the rightful heir of the throne. Many tried to extract the blade and failed, until one day, the boy Arthur came along and was able to free the sword from its place.

Or perhaps you’re familiar with Thor, the thundering hero of the Avengers, derived from Norse mythology, who wields a magical hammer that none but Thor can lift. On the hammer reads the inscription, “Whoever holds this hammer, if he is worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.

When we read Revelation 5, something about the fictional characters of Thor and Arthur resonates, but this time it’s not mythology. Here we see a scroll in the hand of God the Father—a scroll infinitely mightier than Excalibur or Mjolnir—and there is no one worthy to take it from his hand and open it. That is, until Jesus, the true hero, comes on the scene.

Because Jesus became flesh, lived a perfect life, and bled on the cross to absorb the wrath of God for the sin of mankind, he is qualified to take the scroll. He, and he alone, has the credentials necessary to sit as judge of the earth. He atoned for the sins of the earth, making him fit to judge those on the earth who rejected his salvation. There is no one more fit to judge mankind on the last day than the Son of God.

So when we say that Jesus is worthy, we are saying that he is infinitely qualified. He has the credentials to be the sovereign Lord of all the universe. He is the rightful king. He alone is the one who is able to rule. To him alone, we will bow our knees in submission. He alone is worthy to wield the scepter (Revelation 2:27). To King Jesus alone, we give homage.

• “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” – Revelation 5:9-10

3. Jesus is deserving.

• “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! – Revelation 5:12
  

Because of who Jesus is and what he accomplished, he is infinitely deserving of all attention, all glory, all praise, and all honor in heaven and on earth. He is the only object that is deserving of worship.

A skillful athlete is worthy of praise when he delivers a stunning performance on the court. A talented musician is worthy of praise when she performs a beautiful song. A brilliant chef is worthy of praise when he crafts a wonderful meal. How much more infinitely worthy of praise is the Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world and reconciled us to the Father? Truly, “love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

So when we worship Jesus as worthy, we are saying he is infinitely deserving of everything we have to offer. All praise. All energy. All attention. Every fabric of our being. For all things are from him, through him, and to him (Romans 11:36). He is deserving of it all.

This weekend, as we celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ together, I pray God grants us the eyes to see the infinitely valuable, infinitely qualified, infinitely deserving, and infinitely worthy Lamb of God for who he is. And may we find him to be the delight of our souls forever and ever.

Definition of Worthy in the Bible

Understanding the concept of worthiness in the Bible

Throughout the Bible, the concept of worthiness is deeply intertwined with the idea of righteousness and holiness. Being worthy in the eyes of God involves living a life that is in alignment with His teachings and commandments. Let us explore some key Bible verses that shed light on this topic.

Bible Verses on Worthiness:

• Ephesians 4:1: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”
• Colossians 1:10: “So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
• Revelation 4:11: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

These verses emphasize the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and in accordance with His will. By bearing good fruit, increasing in knowledge, and giving glory and honor to God, we demonstrate our worthiness in His eyes.

Stories of Worthiness in the Bible:

• Abraham: In Genesis 22, we read about how Abraham demonstrated his worthiness by obeying God’s command to sacrifice his son, Isaac. His unwavering faith and obedience to God’s will highlighted his righteousness and worthiness in the eyes of God.
• Job: Despite facing immense suffering and hardship, Job remained faithful to God and never wavered in his loyalty. His steadfastness in the face of adversity showcased his worthiness and trust in God’s plan.
• Ruth: The story of Ruth illustrates her loyalty and commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, as well as her dedication to following God’s path. Her actions exemplify worthiness through love, compassion, and faithfulness.

These stories from the Bible serve as powerful examples of worthiness and righteousness in the eyes of God. By studying these narratives and reflecting on the verses that speak to worthiness, we can strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him and worthy of His grace.

Worthy Bible verses

Genesis 32:10
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

Deuteronomy 17:6
At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

Deuteronomy 19:6
Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he [was] not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.

Deuteronomy 21:22
And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:

Deuteronomy 22:26
But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; [there is] in the damsel no sin [worthy] of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so [is] this matter:

Deuteronomy 25:2
And it shall be, if the wicked man [be] worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number.

Samuel 1 1:5
But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.

Samuel 1 26:16
This thing [is] not good that thou hast done. [As] the LORD liveth, ye [are] worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD’S anointed. And now see where the king’s spear [is], and the cruse of water that [was] at his bolster.

Samuel 2 22:4
I will call on the LORD, [who is] worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Kings 1 1:52
And Solomon said, If he will show himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.

Kings 1 2:26
And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou [art] worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord GOD before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.

Psalms 18:3
I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Jeremiah 26:11
Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man [is] worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears.

Jeremiah 26:16
Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man [is] not worthy to die: for he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.

Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:

Matthew 8:8
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Matthew 10:10
Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Matthew 10:11
And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

Matthew 10:13
And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Matthew 10:37
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:38
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 22:8
Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

Mark 1:7
And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

Luke 3:8
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Luke 3:16
John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Luke 7:4
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

Luke 7:6
Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Luke 7:7
Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

Luke 10:7
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Luke 12:48
But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Luke 15:19
And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

Luke 15:21
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

Luke 20:35
But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Luke 21:36
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Luke 23:15
No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

John 1:27
He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

Acts 5:41
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Acts 13:25
And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not [he]. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose.

Acts 23:29
Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

Acts 24:2
And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse [him], saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

Acts 25:11
For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

Acts 25:25
But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

Acts 26:31
And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Romans 1:32
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Ephesians 4:1
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Colossians 1:10
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Thessalonians 1 2:12
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Thessalonians 2 1:5
[Which is] a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

Thessalonians 2 1:11
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of [this] calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of [his] goodness, and the work of faith with power:

Timothy 1 1:15
This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Timothy 1 4:9
This [is] a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

Timothy 1 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Timothy 1 5:18
For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

Timothy 1 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed.

Hebrews 3:3
For this [man] was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

Hebrews 10:29
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 11:38
(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and [in] dens and caves of the earth.

James 2:7
Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

Revelations 3:4
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Revelations 4:11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelations 5:2
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Revelations 5:4
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

Revelations 5:9
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Revelations 5:12
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Revelations 16:6
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.