WHAT IS TRUTH?
WHAT IS TRUTH?
“WHAT IS TRUTH?” This was the question Pilate asked Jesus 2,000 years ago when he delivered Him to the people to be crucified. Was this a rhetorical question or is there something for which he earnestly needed an answer? As the Roman governor of the day, we might consider him an intelligent man. I wonder if he thought he knew. Or better -- if he hoped Jesus might be able to inform him of the answer. Pilate’s simple question is, in my opinion, deeply profound.
IDEOLOGY OR FACTS
Have you ever directly asked yourself this question? If so, would you only consider ‘truth’ to be mental assent to an ideology, or as a set of facts? It’s certainly something we all want to know when there is a question of meting out justice. As a parent, when arbitrating an argument between our children, it’s very helpful to know exactly what happened first! If we are wise, we will not administer proper punishment until we know all the facts of the ‘case’.
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 1:4
WHO IS THE SOURCE?
Clearly, the truth is certainly a collection of information based on the reality of a situation, but I believe that information must align with the only One Who has complete knowledge of the reality of any circumstance or situation. According to the Bible, God Himself, because He sees, hears, and knows all, is the only One fully qualified to determine what is true.
WHO IS JESUS?
Back to Pilate—He seemed to be speaking rhetorically but I’ve often wondered if he realized at some point that he was facing the literal embodiment of Truth standing directly in front of him. Jesus says of Himself in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Here God’s Word says He is the only way we can know the Father, personally and intimately. Jesus is definitely the only path I want to follow to find an exhilarating life of purpose!
JESUS THE WORD
In John 1:1-3, Jesus is referred to as “the Word” Who made all things. Yes, truth can be understood as principles or axioms. Yet even more apparent in the Scriptures is the fact that Jesus is Himself the Word—the Truth. Because I believe the Bible is the only infallible, Holy Spirit-breathed Book in the world, I believe Jesus’ assertion!
WE CAN KNOW
Jesus also said in John 8:31-32 “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” When we know Who He is and what He says, we can actually live a life of freedom! Freedom from selfish ambition and pursuits; knowing whose voice to follow—whether to choose Satan’s lies or the Voice of God. We always have a choice! Every single day.
FATHER KNOWS BEST
Because Jesus is the Truth, to know Him is to love the Truth. To love the Truth means to simply believe and obey what the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit desire for us. We can be confident–our Father always knows best!! In the process we become as He is and, more than ever, we’ll understand we are forever loved!
And that’s the truth…:) xoxo
