2 Chronicles 32-33 John 18:19-40

“Pilate said, ‘So you are a king!’ Jesus answered, ‘You are the one saying I am a king. This is why I was born and came into the world: to tell people the truth. And everyone who belongs to the truth listens to me.’ Pilate said, ‘What is truth?’” (John 18:37-38a)

Pilate was in a tough situation. The political and religious leaders were foaming at the mouth about how he had to crucify Jesus, and Jesus wasn’t talking. When He did talk, it was cryptic. I believe that Pilate came to the conclusion that the only thing Jesus was guilty of was insanity and he didn’t want to execute someone for being insane. He found different ways to let Jesus go, but the Pharisees and Sadducees fought against them all. Then Pilate decided to make one last attempt with Jesus and the word games continued. “My kingdom’s not of this world” “So You’re a king?” “You said it, not me. I just came to speak truth.” Then Pilate scoffed at Jesus, asking a question that’s bedeviled philosophers for ages: “What is truth?”

Pilate asked that question dismissively. Although he pleaded with Jesus later seeking one last way to prevent the crucifixion, he was done with Jesus. He didn’t want to execute an innocent man, but just as the Jews sought to execute Jesus because it was better for one man to die so that the nation would continue, he would rather see one man die than lose his position of power. The result was that he asked the wrong question. What he should have asked was “Who is truth?” Too many people want to know the answer to “what is truth?” and their searches have brought us to a world where some think it’s ok for everyone to have their own version of truth. The more important question, “who is truth?” leads us in our search for God. There are many false gods and idols in the world. Our country has freedom of religion and we allow people to talk about and worship any god or idol and follow just about any religion. The ultimate questions are “Is there one truth?” and if so, “Who is truth?” I believe that there is one truth. That means that some people are wrong, and others are right. I believe that Jesus alone is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” There is no other. That means that I believe that anyone who doesn’t know Jesus is following a false way. That’s why I proclaim Him here and in other areas of my life. I have many friends who don’t know the truth. I have many friends who are following a false way. I don’t just tolerate them, though, I love them. I hope I love them as Jesus would love them. My goal isn’t to win arguments with people who don’t know the Truth; my goal is to speak Truth to their hearts.

Lord, You alone are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Help me to share You with others that they might know You as I know You.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.