The answer is: Untie his sandals

Mark 1:7 - Which was work of servants and so he was showing great humility, saying he was not worthy to be a servant of the man who should come after him.

Ah, John the Baptist—a truly fascinating figure in biblical history! When he declared himself unworthy to unlace Jesus’ sandals, he wasn't just being modest; he was honoring the incredible significance of Jesus’ coming. In ancient culture, removing sandals was a task reserved for the lowliest servant, underscoring John’s humility and the greatness of the one he was heralding.

This story echoes throughout scripture, highlighting shows of humility and servitude. For instance, in Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul speaks of Christ's humility in becoming a servant, illustrating how this posture is central to the message of Jesus.

Interestingly, ‘the act of untying sandals’ may also reflect the spiritual readiness required to receive divine teachings. Just as shoes can symbolize worldly distractions, John’s acknowledgment indicates the importance of shedding those distractions to embrace a deeper understanding.

Trivia time! Did you know that sandals in ancient Israel were often leather-crafted, adding to their significance as symbols of mobility and freedom? They represented a person's status too—wealthier individuals sported finer footwear.

So, when John proclaims his unworthiness to untie those sandals, he's making a powerful statement about Jesus’ identity and the radical shift in spiritual authority coming upon the Jewish tradition. This moment sets the stage for Jesus’ mission and teaches us that embracing humility is the first step toward greatness in any spiritual journey!