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Truth
What is truth?” retorted Pilate. (John 18:38 NIV).
One of my favorite Bible studies was about the questions that Jesus asked while He walked the earth. But when it comes to questions one that is especially contemporary is the one from the Roman governor Pontius Pilate in an effort to understand “the truth.” John 18:28-40 details the complete encounter of Jesus with Pilate. Jesus states, “I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Pilot responded, “What is truth?” (John 18: 37-38).
I find it particularly noteworthy that this whole discussion of truth is subsequent to an arrest of Jesus by the Jewish leaders based on false allegations.
One problem with truth is that it can be weaponized if spoken absent of love. Somebody could truthfully tell me that I am old, computer illiterate, and very naive. Yes, all of this is true, but there is not much love or kindness in that previous sentence.
I was advised once that before I speak the truth, I should ask myself three questions. Is this truthful? Is this kind? Is this necessary? If the answer is no, to any question, then the statement needs to be rephrased or just let it remain as a thought. Also, not every thought needs to be given voice. On my better days, I follow this advice.
Satan is a crafty adversary. He devises clever, cunning, convincing ideas to draw us away from God’s truth. The enemy tempted Jesus after He had fasted for 40 days in the desert. After each of three temptations. Jesus told a conniving devil, “It is written” before stating relevant Scripture. He modelled for us today how to confront the deceiver and divider with The Sword from the Armor of God (Holy Scripture). We should spend time in the Word so we can refute the enemy with The Sword. This particularly includes thoughts that we have that are not God’s truth.
Scripture is not just intended to be read, but we must pay close attention to it. I invite the Holy Spirit to be present and teach me and I anticipate a new message from God even though I am likely reading something that I have read numerous times before. Remember, Hebrews 4:12 teaches us that the Word of God is active and alive. If we pay close attention to Scripture, we will be better equipped when faced with man’s truth.
Scripture tells us that God is love. Therefore, we know the presence of the Holy Spirit when we see His love, which is so beautifully defined in 1 Corinthians 4-8.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease.”
Pilate’s question is simple but so very profound. He was not a Jew. He did not know the truth that Jesus was the Messiah. However, the Jewish leaders were intimately familiar with the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. They had heard Jesus read the scroll and declare, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). The Jewish leaders had long waited for the Mesiah and when they finally met Him, they failed to recognize Him. So, even the Jewish leaders when the Truth was revealed to them could not accept the Truth. We have the benefit of the New Testament, and we know the Truth. Let’s act like it.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for revealing yourself to us through Your Son and Your Word. We are confronted with many “truths” on a daily basis. Help us to seek You first, Your righteousness, and Your truth. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Certified Lay Minister and Men’s Ministry Specialist through Francis Asbury Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a Board Member for Gulf South Men, an Action Team member for The Kingdom Group, and a Board Member for the Lagniappe Country Walk to Emmaus. Todd is a contributor to Project XII and Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. He is a Past President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and remains active in this and many other local, regional, and international ministries. Additionally, he’s the author of the inspiring book “Fathering A Special Needs Child.” Todd also enjoys filling the pulpit to share the Good News of our Lord and Savior. Todd is the proud father of Emma and Kyle and resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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