What Is Truth?

In the book of John, there is a conversation between Jesus and Pontius Pilate during Jesus’ trial.

Pilate is questioning Jesus and had asked Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus replied to him:

“You say correctly that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” –John 18:37.

Pilate, a pagan Roman official, apparently didn’t recognize what “truth” was. He was a Roman soldier and governor and probably believed in many if not all of the Roman gods at the time. “Truth” wasn’t on his list.

He sarcastically (and probably rhetorically) asks Jesus in response:

“What is truth?” –John 18:38.

If Paul had been there with Jesus, he would have chimed in by telling Pilate:

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. –1 Timothy 1:15.

It’s one of my favorite verses. It is truth packed into a single sentence; it is the truth in a single sentence.

Jesus didn’t come into the world to give you a peaceful, easy-going life. Jesus didn’t come to grant you your every wish. Jesus didn’t come to take away your pain and suffering. Jesus came into the world you release you from the bondage of your sin!

Oh wretched man that I am! I don’t deserve heaven. But you, Lord, have washed away my sin and have taken it upon Yourself.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. –Psalm 51:10.

May He Increase!