The crowd jostled each other as they tried to find an advantageous spot to watch the proceedings. The first part of the mob had gathered after dark – supposedly as a government and religion-sanctioned army to bring in a prisoner. The motley group increased in number and volume as they gathered around the court and palace of Caiphas, the high priest. After the priests and Pharisees discussed and received conflicting testimony against the prisoner, they managed to come up with a capital offense charge. The prisoner was guilty of blasphemy because he claimed to be the Son of God.
The Jewish mob brought the prisoner before Pilate (governor or Roman Prefect of Judea), then Herod the king, and then Pilate again. Now, the crowd (multiplied by hundreds) stood before the Roman government. The Jews accused him of treason and sedition against the Romans because he said he was the king of the Jews. That would automatically make the prisoner the enemy of Caesar.
When Pilate asked Jesus, “Art thou a king then?” “Jesus answered, “Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the Truth. Every one that is of the Truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is Truth?” (John 18:37-38).
That is a question that people are still asking today. WHAT IS TRUTH?
In Jesus’ day, there was the Truth of the Roman Government, the Jewish authorities, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the average citizen. In most cases, their truths(??) were all different.
In our times, most people commonly say there is no absolute truth. What may be true for you is not necessarily true for me. The so-called “truth” of the scientist, the educator, the businessman, and the high school and college students may all be different. You can be comfortable with “your truth,” and I will be comfortable with “my truth.”
When you say there is no absolute truth, you establish absolute Truth. You believe the “absolute truth” that there is no absolute truth. Who, or what, made you the arbiter of Truth?
Jesus did not “buy” into that falsehood. He said, “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth Truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” (John 3:20,21). There is actual, absolute evil, pure light, and perfect Truth.
Jesus is THE TRUTH!
In John 1:14, the Word, Jesus, was full of grace and Truth. John 1:17 states that “grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6). He was explicit and exclusive about this. There is no other way and no other truth. In John 8:24, Jesus said, “For if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” Jesus, at his trial, said, “Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.” (John 18:37).
Jesus is the God of Truth and the historical God-man who died to pay for your sins. Trust Him as your Savior today.
The Word (the Scriptures) is THE TRUTH.
Jesus was emphatic about the Truth of His Word. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17). This is the gospel truth. “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31, 32).
Peter was firm in his reliance on THE WORD. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:19-21)
Paul wrote of the authority and divine origin of the Word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Old Testament zealously proclaims the authority of the Word. “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89). “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20). Jesus talked about the authority of the Word in Matthew 5:18. “Verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” In the story of the certain rich man and Lazarus, there is this dialogue between Abraham and the rich man about the rich man’s brothers. “Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 16:29-31).
It is the responsibility of the believer to believe His true Word and obey Him.
Take God at His Word and obey Him. “Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
Believers must study the Word, grow in the Lord, and obey.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15). Study is work and requires diligence. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18). Just as a parent must work to put food on the table, you must work to put spiritual food on the spiritual table. Determined effort is required. “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; — knowledge; — temperance, — patience, — godliness, — brotherly kindness, — charity.” (2 Peter 1:5-7).
Now is the moment of Truth. Do you, as a believer, accept God’s Word as authoritative Truth? Are you studying and obeying it? As you study, do you work to apply the Word to your life so you can grow? What steps can you take today to absorb the True Word into your life so it changes you? Your decision now will affect the rest of your life.
So good Dale -Thank you.
God Bless~
I echo the words above
most powerful article