Recently Sam Metheny, our Executive Administrator, put out a call to the Partners at Veritas Church to guest write a blog post for our website and weekly emails. When she did this I realized that I have never written anything for the church. This is the second article in a three part reflection on Christ-like service, why it is important to develop new Service Teams, and finally why we serve.
[12] When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? [13] You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. [14] If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. [16] Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. [18] I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ [19] I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. [20] Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” John 13:12–20 (ESV)
John 13:12 -20 is so powerful and humbling, because in many ways I can relate to what the disciples must have felt like. I don’t think I will ever fully understand what Jesus has done to me. The enormity of Jesus’ work, and the fact that it is historical and eternal often blows my mind. It is only through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and the subsequent indwelling of the Holy Spirit that I can begin to approach an understanding of God. Even so, when our Lord and Teacher tells us that just as he washed others we are to do the same, my first thoughts are “how” and “why”. It is a good thing that he has provided those answers!
John 13:20 informs us that we have been sent by Jesus to present the Gospel to everyone so that they may know God. This isn’t new information, as the whole Bible clearly shows us that God has chosen to work through His people. At Veritas Church we wholeheartedly believe that from the time a person shows up in the parking lot until they leave, we are to show them Jesus. Part of the development of a Service Team is about training a member the “how” of our roles, but the most important part is the “why”. Every team member will meet someone each Sunday at a unique moment in their life. We may meet a person in the depths of personal struggle or at the height of personal triumph. When we have those encounters, because of the Holy Spirit, we have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus through our service. For about an hour and a half every week we get to help others experience His love as a community. It is also a reminder for us to do the same everywhere we go throughout the rest of the week.
There will come a time when Jesus calls me away, either to serve elsewhere or to His side. When that day comes I hope that during my time at Veritas Church I have enabled others to take my place. So, I humbly ask that if you have not had the joy of serving at Veritas Church then reach out to us. Being part of a Service Team is more than just making sure Sunday morning happens. Serving others is an opportunity to connect to the mission of the Gospel in an intimate way, and it has brought me great joy these last 8 years. I invite you to join me in sharing Jesus with others.
In the final post we will continue to look at John chapter 13 and why we serve. I hope you join us in serving one another, and if you have any comments or questions you can reach me at trey@veritasfayetteville.com or life@veritasfayetteville.com.
For the fame of Jesus,
Trey Perry | Lay Pastor
trey@veritasfayetteville.com