The #HeGetsUs ads are what happens when church people promote their favorite politicians more than understand the passages of Scripture. It’s interesting discussion but seldom fruitful and only half truthful. We need Christians with biblical discernment more than partisan discourse.

While the #HeGetsUs ads provide provoking images and ideas, they lack meaningful content. They promote Jesus who accepts, tolerates, and loves, to the exclusion of authority, truth, or rebuke. Jesus is not only a humble servant or only a forgiving Savior; He’s also Rabbi and Lord. He called people to repentance and radical discipleship. Jesus’ teachings were unlike any other, and demands obedience beyond external behaviors to fundamental heart change.

In sum, the #HeGetsUs ads are helpful to start conversations. Any discussion about Jesus can be powerful and life-impacting. But, we must root the Jesus we speak in the Scriptures. Separating Jesus from the bible creates a figment of human bias. So, whether it’s television ads, entertainment shows like “The Chosen,” or a wordy blog or loud preacher, be sure each align with the bible. Get God’s word. All of it, from the Old and New Testament.

UPDATE: An attempt of holding the tension between truth and love.

There has been a lot more discussion about these ads than expected. From the target audience – those who are unfamiliar with the gospel of Jesus Christ, many are having conversations about Christianity, thousands are Googling “Jesus,” and surprisingly several are joining Bible reading plans. And the non-target audience – those already familiar with the gospel of Jesus… well, the church has always appreciated an opportunity to debate.

Again, personally, I think the #HeGetsUs campaign has room for improvement. It’s incomplete and needs more information. It falls short in some key doctrinal areas. There is not a full presentation of Christ’s unique birth, sinless life and substitutionary death with resurrection, and exhorting people to repent and follow Jesus as Savior from sin and Lord of life. Further, the campaign has been reported to not fully vet the follow-up churches it recommends. There does seem to be some undertone of political messaging, that perhaps lean “left” rather than “right” and conservative values. And certainly, the cost of ads – especially during the Super Bowl – is beyond most marketing budgets that Christians (perhaps combined!) are accustom. All of these are legitimate questions and concerns to raise in a humble and constructive manner.

Accusations of heresy and false gospels are serious. Honestly, I have not investigated every aspect of the campaign (website, videos, book, reading plans, etc.), though I have read a few articles evaluating and critiquing. In all, I would suggest Christians temper their public outcry before a watching world who are unfamiliar with all the Christian jargon and theological doctrine. If the aim of the campaign is conversation starters for Christians to talk about Jesus, then I think there is potential to capture a moment. There is need for “pre-evangelism” methods and a movement to launch deeper gospel clarity. Few are saved by videos alone, but many are and can be saved by a voice. Christian voices can and should pick up the baton to ask questions and fill in the incomplete message of the #HeGetsUs ads.

The question Christians must answer is: Is my voice raising heat or light?

Christianity is becoming more and more known for hot air and angry in-fighting. However, Jesus exhorted Christians that the evidence that they belong as one of His disciples is their love for one another (John 13:35). And the context of this verse is that Jesus has just washed all the disciples’ feet – those whom would fail and betray Him. Specifically, Jesus washed the feet of Judas. Judas, son of destruction! To me, this is what was telling in the ads.

One Super Bowl ad included Jesus, or Christians, washing the feet of known sinners. The ad depicted glaring sins of our culture: LGBTQ+, police brutality, abortion, racism, wasteful stewardship, law-breaking immigration, religious hate & violence, and more. The video was meant to provoke. Like Jesus, His teachings are not meant to make anyone comfortable but to sincerely reflect and consider if our faith is in the right object and we’re willing to count the cost to act on it. Does our faith have feet and action steps, or is it all talk and head theology (James 2:17). The OT prophets spoke frequently about righteous deeds and justice. Jesus’ ministry was aimed at both eternal suffering and physical affliction. The New Testament letters with the early church portray Christianity not only having radically different theology and ideology, but tangible social impact.

So, while I was uncomfortable with the video and the message that “Jesus didn’t teach hate,” I also understood the sentiment. Yes, Jesus warned that following Him would mean to prioritize devotion and obedience to Him above anyone else (Matthew 10:34-39; Luke 14:26). But Jesus also noted His followers must love and pray for their enemies, and spend influential time with outcasts and sinners (Matthew 9:11-13; Luke 14:23; 19:10). We can attempt to speculate motivations of marketing campaigns, but we dare not miss the radical tension of the truth and love visible in the Gospels.

In closing, the #HeGetsUs ads and campaign does seem incomplete. Yet, the below video with Sean McDowell, Scott Rae, and Ed Stetzer might be helpful to reflect on the overall and long-term messaging. I think the end message for Christians might be this: Like or loathe the videos, but spend more time talking to non-believers about Jesus than debating with ourselves. We have a Great Commission. We have spiritually lost family, friends, classmates, co-workers, neighbors, and strangers with whom God will provide divine appointments. Are we prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you? Get Jesus. Get ready. Go make disciples.