Thursday, March 7, 2013

“What is truth?”


“What is truth?”  That questioned has been asked by asked by many people in various circumstances. Many people have asked it. Philosophers have asked it. Theologians have asked it. Evaluating another person's sincerity can be difficult. But when someone does not want or accept the answer, then their sincerity can be called into question.

While reading this passage consider the sincerity of Pilate’s question.

John 18:37-38 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.

Pilate seemed to be looking for  "wiggle room" concerning his response to Jesus and the issue of truth.  He knew Jesus was innocent and was trying to let him go. But under fear of loosing his position and power, he eventually gave in and turned Jesus over to be crucified.


Jesus claimed to be the truth and to bear witness to the truth. In the above passage he said, "Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”  In facing this statement, Pilate also wilted.  How we respond to Jesus, reveals our commitment and understanding of the truth.