During one of the initial commercial breaks of the 2024 Super Bowl, Come Near aired its advertisement showcasing various individuals washing someone’s feet in an attempt to emulate Jesus. However, numerous individuals believed that the ad failed to capture the true essence of the Biblical message.
The purpose of the ad was to bring attention to HeGetsUs.com, a campaign designed to “remind everyone, including ourselves, that Jesus’ teachings are about compassion and acceptance, rather than exclusion,” as stated on the group’s website.
The advertisement consists of twelve different scenes, each depicting one person washing another’s feet. The majority of these scenes portray white individuals as the ones performing the act of washing. Interestingly, none of the scenes feature a minority individual washing the feet of a white person. Furthermore, some scenes even seem to convey a message to white Christians, urging them to overcome any prejudices they may hold. One scene, in particular, portrays a white priest washing the feet of an individual who appears to be a member of the LGBTQ community. Another scene shows an older white woman washing the feet of a displeased young woman outside a Family Planning Clinic, with pro-life protesters visible in the background.
Jesus washed the feet of friends and enemies. No ego or hate. He humbly loved his neighbors. How can we do the same? pic.twitter.com/kXift42ZG9
— HeGetsUs (@HeGetsUs) February 11, 2024
The account of Jesus cleansing the feet of his disciples can be found in John 13:1-17 and is commonly interpreted as a demonstration of humility conveyed by Jesus to his disciples prior to the Last Supper.
Nevertheless, numerous individuals on social media perceived the advertisement as “blasphemous” and believed that it did not genuinely portray the intended lesson that Jesus was trying to convey to his followers.
Blasphemy.
Don’t fall for this satanic symbolism.
— Patrick Webb (@RealPatrickWebb) February 12, 2024
Y'all (shockingly 🙄) forgot to mention that acknowledgement and repentance come before being washed clean. 😒
— Jordan Miller (@jordokmiller) February 12, 2024
Completely ignoring the fact that while one yes, did betray him ultimately, the Only feet he ever washed were those of his Disciples. Not absolute strangers like this pedestrian ad is implying.
— Preston Marlow (@PoppaPillie) February 12, 2024
This is blasphemous and makes the assertion that we should accept sin.
Christ specifically implored sinners to change, not live and boast in their sin.
He wouldn't condemn sinners, but He would condemn sin.
Hence telling the woman at the well "Go and sin no more"
— Jimmy Dean (@big_wig_69) February 12, 2024
A horrible woke, commercial. Once again, plenty of images of whites washing black's feet. But not one single image of a black washing a white man's hard working feet. 💩🙄
— LoyalCaps 🏒🥅👮🏻♂️🇺🇸 (@dmddusseau) February 12, 2024
