Jesus washing the feet of all kinds of people. That sounds like something Jesus would do. Oh wait, He did do that!
For reasons I don’t understand, the Jesus Gets Us ads during the Super Bowl create controversy. Some of the things I’ve seen;
Why would you spend 14 million dollars on an ad? We could be feeding and housing people.
Jesus would never wash the feet of a gay man.
He only washed the feed of those who He discipled, not heathens.
And yes, there were more.
Did you know that there is a ministry behind this movement? I was blessed with the opportunity to minister to some people who reached out through the campaign. People who would never reach out to Christians who they think hate them.
When I explain this ministry and how awesome it is to folks who complain about these campaigns, I am often met with, “Well, do you tell them to repent?” Nope, I do not. I meet them right where they are and love them like I believe Jesus would. The same way He met the Samaritan woman right where she was. (John 4)
I was blessed with the opportunity to minister to some people who reached out through the campaign.
I understand the significance of repenting our sins and taking up the cross to follow Jesus. I believe that is essential for our salvation. But I also understand the value of meeting people where they are. I cannot expect someone who doesn’t know Jesus to live up to the standards of Jesus. I know that a new Christian isn’t going to know and understand everything about taking up the cross of Jesus. And I know that even as a more seasoned Christian, I fall short more often than I care to tell you.
When I talk to anyone about Jesus who doesn’t know Him, I want to show them His love. I want them to understand that He loves them with an audacious love that they will never get any place else, regardless of their past or present circumstances. Because if they don’t see the love of Jesus in us, they might never have the opportunity to repent. I choose to love them and show them Jesus.
Our world is broken, and so many things divide us. Paul tells us we are not fighting flesh and blood, but rulers of darkness. (Ephesians 6:12) We are called to be the light the world needs. Isn't it possible to be that light without condemnation? Yes, repenting is an integral part of salvation. But it doesn't happen all in one conversation.
Because if they don’t see the love of Jesus in us, they might never have the opportunity to repent.
I want to bring people to the truth, God's Word. I am not capable of bringing them to the level of understanding they need on my own. I can not make them accept Jesus. But I can be an example of love and compassion and show them God's Word. I can tell them about the advocate Jesus sent when He returned to His Father, the Holy Spirit. And I can pray that they will read God's Word with the help of the Holy Spirit and learn to understand it. Honestly, I have to do that every day myself. So, I have no business telling other people what their sins are; I've got enough on my own plate to work through.
Jesus loved so well, so audaciously. That's what I want to offer those who don't know Him, too. Audacious love.
I know 14 million is a lot of money. The people behind this movement also give in other ways to support those in need. Personally, I believe if one soul gets eternal life because of this campaign, 14 million is a steal!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Feel free to e-mail me with yours, even if you disagree.