What is Truth: Jesus and Pilate Speak to One Another

John 18:37-38

³⁷ “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

³⁸ “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. (NIV)

What a poignant moment in history. The Creator of the Universe, who has made Himself flesh, stands before the earthly ruler, Pontius Pilate, who, from a human perspective, seems to hold the destiny of our Lord in his hands. Jesus says those who are on the side of truth listen to Him. And Pilate’s response, “What is truth?”

It’s as if we are now dealing with the same question in our society again. What is truth?

We are not discussing true statements such as the grass is green. That is a true statement, as both Christ and Pilate used the word to reflect a concept that goes much deeper than a mere statement. The word ‘truth’ in the original language means ‘unveiled’ or ‘revealed.’ The nature of this concept of truth is a philosophy that is revealed as being true when it is lived out. When Jesus says He is the truth, He is referring to Himself. He is saying that He is the Creator of all things, and His way of living is the pattern for which we were made to fulfill God’s intention for us as our Creator, which is abundant life. He is also the truth in that the power necessary to discipline ourselves to live out truth can only be found in HIm. 

When we follow God’s way, our life moves according to our Creator’s design for a good and fulfilling life defined by enduring love for God, neighbor, enemy, and self. It is defined as a peace that doesn’t even make sense to the human mind. It is defined as a joy that cannot be fully expressed by words. 

When we don’t follow God’s way, we are like a fish out of water. For a time, we are breathing in and out as we lie on the hot concrete. We are distressed, upset, angry, and disturbed, but we are in the process of dying, not living.  This is not God’s plan for us. And when we suddenly find ourselves not living in the abundant life God designed, it indicates some place where we have released our grip from His way of being, or we lack the discipline to walk in His way. 

Lord, let me not prescribe to any philosophy that promises a good life except yours. And may I seek You to have the discipline to walk in Your way. Amen.