… when you heard the message of truth …
Summary: Paul points us to the “message of truth.” When we think about it, the question, “What is truth?” echoes throughout history. Even in our contemporary world, the question still applies.
The story of Jesus’ life is told in four different ways. Four people with four different perspectives provide us with a three-dimensional view of the living Lord. Of the four gospels, John’s account stands apart. John “sees” with the eyes of his heart in ways that evade the other writers. Because of this, his telling of the story touches the heart instead of the mind. When we get to the part where John tells us about Jesus’ encounter with Pilate, we see that we are not the only ones touched. Jesus got to Pilate, too.
When Jesus is first brought to Pilate, Pilate pulls Jesus aside for a private interview. Pilate was no dummy. He knew what was going on (Mark 15:10). Even his wife warned him that Jesus was innocent (Matthew 27:19).
Jesus was an unusual case. Never before had the Jews brought someone to him who was completely innocent. Pilate was no saint, but it is clear that he didn’t like being a political tool for the Pharisees. Pilate begins the conversation with Jesus by asking, “Are you the king of the Jews?” *
It seems clear from the account that word had gotten to Pilate that Jesus was trying to mount an insurrection. A serious claim to the throne of Jerusalem might be considered a threat if there was anything to it. But a serious claim to the throne would look much different. A man who was trying to mount an insurrection would have a worldly look in his eye. He would be steeped in politics and would be very well-connected. A serious insurrection would look like a threat because it would be one. Jesus looked more like a welfare case than a threat.
Jesus states the obvious when he says, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
Now the interesting thing about this statement is that Jesus has introduced the idea of another world. His kingdom is not of this world, so what kind of king is he? Where is this “place” where he thinks he might have a kingdom?
Pilate seems intrigued by this idea. “You are a king, then!” he declares. To Pilate, Jesus must have appeared to be an escapee from the mental ward. The humble carpenter standing before him had done nothing but help people and earn good reports. Maybe this would explain the miracles Pilate had no doubt heard.
Jesus responds, “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.”
Now the conversation has taken another strange turn. From serious political accusations to fanciful discussions of another world to this.
“What is truth?” retorts Pilate.
What is truth, indeed?
Application: Know that Jesus Christ is the only truth that counts.
Food for Thought: How do you know whether something is true or not?
*All quotes about Pilate’s conversation with Jesus are from John 18-19.
I have heard that truth is what correlates to reality. Jesus is the truth (John 14: 6). This doesn’t just mean that He knows truth or speaks truth. He is the truth. He embodies truth. That is reality. God’s word is truth because it comes from the source of truth – the eternal word (John 1: 1 – 3; 14 – 18).
What we hear should be placed through the grid of Scripture to confirm its veracity. And knowing about truth is different than knowing truth. To truly embrace truth we need to embrace Jesus Himself.
The world has lost its moorings and is floundering in a sea of proclaimed relativity. We do not need to do that. We have Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us. We have a solid foundation built on the reality of Christ (Matthew 7 : 24 – 27).
Rich,
Very well said! 🌟
To embrace Jesus is to embrace reality!
02-22-2023, How do you know whether something is true or not?
The Bible has a great deal to say about truth, specifically the truth about God, and our relationship to Him. We see this emphasis on almost every page of the New Testament.
The gospel message concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is spoken of as “the word of truth” or often simply the truth. (Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 1:5; James 1:18), and Christians are spoken about as those who “belong to the truth” (1 John 3:19). God the Father’s word is truth (John 17:17); God the Son declared Himself to be the truth (14:6), and God the Holy Spirit is spoken of as the “Spirit of truth” (1 John 5:6).
The New Testament repeatedly warns us about false teachers and wrong behavior. False teachings, Satan, godless civil powers and corrupt values are described as the four major enemies of all God’s people. The application of God’s truths and our behavior is consistently taught in our Bibles as the path to righteousness and away from the evil so clearly described by God and seen in the world today.
Well said, Ron.
The part about false teachers is important because due to the curse we brought on ourselves of being able to see both good and evil (Gen 3:5) we see both but cannot always tell the difference. Cleaving to God’s Word (Truth) is how the Spirit leads us in the paths of righteousness.
🌟
A great devotion today! Rich’s response is spot on!
I have found in my life that for something to be the truth has to be specific. To know if it is the truth, it has to be testable against the circumstances it claims and time.
It is a difficult things to explain to someone who doesn’t believe, that God’s Word is the truth, and that to ask of God according to His Will, He will hold to the truth of His Word.
God’s Word is the Truth that withstands all circumstances and time. If you read it, you will find that there is no “special caveat” to it that would make it false. It is unchanging and apples to everyone.
God expects us to measure whatever “truths” others present to us against His Word and Will.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Thanks Chris!
Tying truth to reality is key. (Our society seems to be trying to divide us from reality most of the time these days.)
Once we accept that, we have to accept that we, ourselves, our real. Both our physical manifestation and our invisible inner self.
From there, we begin to understand the “other world” that Jesus was referring to. Once that truth sinks in, then the door is open to accept Jesus.
Of course there are many ways to come to a knowledge of Christ. Some are more direct. Perhaps most paths are.
Which brings us to your comment about truth being testable. You are absolutely right! 🌟 When we finally decide to put God to the test we discover the Reality of realities.