It looks like we have yet another conflict in the Christian world this week. If you watched the big football game last Sunday, you probably saw the commercials that have been causing controversy in the Christian community. Some Christians love the idea that “He Gets Us”, and others are as appalled by it as they are by “The Chosen”. There are always two sides to the story. Two viewpoints. Two arguments. And people who claim to love and follow the same Jesus are all up in arms because their neighbor, co-worker or family member doesn’t agree with them.
Apparently, the aim of the ad campaign that was launched around the same time last year was to help rescue Jesus’ reputation. It seems that those who follow him have dirtied his name so much that those who don’t follow him want to help clean up his image. Because, after all, aren’t they the experts in the life and intentions of Jesus? Doesn’t it seem that the nonbelievers know exactly how believers should live and make sure to tell us when we’re getting it wrong. And apparently, the campaign needs to be continued this year so more damage control of the name of Jesus can take place. Shame on us Christians, some would say. But also. Shame on those who don’t call Jesus Lord of their life for trying to tell those who do how to be a Christian.
Some people claim the ads are done in good taste and have good intent. Others call the ads a mockery of faith. The question at hand is: Does Jesus really get us? In the ads, we see ordinary, every day people washing the feet of a lesbian, a gay man, and a woman at an abortion clinic. Would Jesus wash their feet? The first question we have to ask is why did Jesus wash his disciples feet in the first place? Was it a practice others followed, or was this just a one-time act of servanthood by Jesus?
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples because they were dirty. When walking in sandals on dirt roads, feet get dirty. It’s pretty simple. And it was typically the job of a servant to wash the dirty feet of travelers. But in this case, there was no servant. So Jesus lowered himself to do the dirty task. It was humbling for all, to say the least. Not only did he wash the feet of the eleven who ate with him, but he also washed the feet of the one he knew would betray him later that night. And he did it anyway. And with his example, he was asking his followers to be willing to serve others in any way that would honor and glorify God. Even if it was a dirty job typically performed by the lowest of people.
You can read the full story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples in John 13:1-20.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:23-24
Yes. It’s even documented that Jesus ate with sinners. He forgave the woman caught in adultery. He healed the sick and the lame. He loved the sinners as much as he loved those who made the decision to follow him. The difference between the sinners and the followers is that the followers gave up their sinful past and followed the ways of Jesus. They didn’t expect Jesus to follow and approve their old, sinful ways. They were made new by the forgiveness of their sins, and they no longer had the desire to stay in their sinful habits. Sinners haven’t given up anything to Jesus. They’re still wallowing in their sin.
The ad is right when it says that Jesus didn’t teach hate. That part is true. And he did wash the feet of his disciples the night before he was crucified. Just once. Just once in the Bible did Jesus ever wash anyone’s feet. And that night was the last night he would spend with those twelve chosen men. Jesus’ act of servanthood was a view of what was to come later that night and the next day when he laid down his life for the sins of all mankind. His death allowed our slate of sins to be wiped clean, not by foot washing but by the blood that Jesus shed on the cross.
It didn’t make Jesus any more human or any more godly when he washed the dirty feet of the twelve. The act was a conscious effort to serve those who would go on to serve others in Jesus’ name. And, of course, we as believers must imitate Christ. He is our example. We can serve sinners in a multitude of ways without ever washing their feet, because honestly, most people don’t go around washing others’ feet. Some people may need shoes on their feet. Others may need food or clothing or a warm place to sleep. We just have to make sure that our methods of serving those who need Christ don’t enable the person to continue in their sin. Our acts of kindness mustn’t condone ungodly behavior. We must act to share the gospel message of salvation, and at times it’s through serving the basic needs of lost and hurting souls.
Supposedly, someone in the know said that he’s aware these commercials are incomplete in their messaging of the gospel of Christ. He says they’re meant to be used as conversation starters. And by all means. Let’s start the conversation. And, let’s assume the creators of these commercials had the purest of intentions in telling these stories. But someone in the conversation needs to know biblical truth and speak it accurately. A false gospel isn’t worth sharing. It’s just false.
One other thing. Since when did it become about Jesus getting us? He knows us intimately even if we don’t return the favor. We should be getting him. He’s already paid the price for our sins. Now, we must repent of those sins and live forgiven. We should ask Jesus to save us. Not just to get us.