John 18:37b-38a-"...for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. 'What is truth', Pilate asked."

In a courtroom when someone takes the stand to testify in a trial the bailiff always asks the person this question, "do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" The person taking the stand will say, "I do." 

In the passage of scripture above we find Jesus standing before Pilate discussing the charges being brought against him by the Jewish religious leaders. Pilate was having a conversation with the person who embodied truth. In fact in John 14:6- Jesus stated, "I am the way and the truth and the life." Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but still was questioning him as to the charges for which he is on trial. 

When Jesus started talking about truth and the reason for his being born was to testify to the truth, Pilate ask, "What is truth?" Great question. I can imagine thinking I can't wait to tell him. But, the sad thing is Pilate didn't wait for Jesus to give him the answer. Pilate had heard criminals come before him with their version of the truth. Everyone was innocent and it was someone elses fault as to why they had been arrested. Pilate had become a cynic. His heart had become hardened to the pleas of criminals. But for some reason Jesus was different. He was calm cool and collected. This is what made Jesus stand out from everyone else. 

In our world today we find so many people making statements about truth. Some believe their is no absolute truth. Some think truth is relevant to a person's belief or culture norm. Truth is only what meets our needs and desires. Truth is determined by the majority. The problem with these types of thoughts is not going to the source of truth. We are like Pilate and ask the question but don't hang around for the answer.

I hope we strive to know the truth. The biblical truth. The truth that was demonstrated and lived out in the person of Jesus. Please don't be like Pilate and ask the question but walk away from the person who can give you the real answer. 

In John 8:31-32 "Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." As you go through Holy Week this week I ask that you open your bibles and get to know the person who is truth. Spend some time talking with him and asking him to open your hearts and minds to the truth that will set you free.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me not be like Pilate who asked one of the great philosophical questions of our time, "What is truth?" Help us stick around and find out the answer. Help us know you not only as our Lord and savior but the author and embodiment of truth. In Jesus' Name, Amen!