WHAT IS THE TRUTH?

Text:
“... you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) [NIV] & “Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” “What is truth?” Pilate asked.” (John 18:37-38) [NLT]
 

Open:
Think about the people who have influenced your worldview. How do you think those who have influenced your worldview would answer Pilate’s question?

Back ground comments: 

(John 8:32) Jesus himself is the truth that sets free (John 8:36). He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from continued slavery to sin, from self-deception, and from deception by Satan. He shows us clearly the way to eternal life with God. Thus Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God. As we seek to serve God, Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be!
     

(John 18:37-38) Pilate asked Jesus a straightforward question and Jesus answered clearly. Jesus is a king, but one whose kingdom is not of this world. There seems to have been no question in Pilate’s mind that Jesus spoke the truth and was innocent of any crime. It also seems apparent while recognizing the truth, Pilate chose to reject it. It is a tragedy when we fail to recognize the truth. It is an even greater tragedy when we recognize the truth but fail to heed it.
     

Pilate was cynical; he thought that all truth was relative. To many government officials, truth was whatever helped advance their own personal power and political goals. When there is not a standard or acknowledgement of truth, there is no basis for moral right and wrong. Justice becomes whatever works or whatever helps those in power. In Jesus and His Word we have a standard for truth and for moral behavior.

Quoted from: Life Application Study Bible [NIV]

     

In the “Believers Bible Commentary” William MacDonald makes the following statements about John 18:37-38. When Pilate asked Him if He was King .... Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king.” But His kingdom is concerned with truth, not with swords and shields. It was to bear witness to the truth here means the truth about God, Christ Himself, the Holy Spirit, man, sin, salvation, and all the other great doctrines of Christianity. Everyone who loves the truth hears His voice, and that is how His empire grows.
     

It is difficult to say what Pilate meant when he said to Him, “What is truth?” Was he puzzled, or sarcastic, or interested? All we know is that the Truth incarnate stood before him, and he did not recognize Him. Pilate now hurried to the Jews with the admission that he could find no fault in Jesus at all.

Explore:
How would you define truth?
Is it possible to be tolerant and articulate truth at the same time? If so, how?
   
Explore:
Where do you see people advocating the idea that truth is relative-that different people can have different truths?

Get it:
American society has replaced the idea of absolute truth with relativism-the denial that there is such a thing as truth. In what situations do you find it most difficult to combat moral relativism? How might you change your approach?

Apply:
How would you answer someone who said there was no such thing as truth? In what ways can you share the truth this week to bring the freedom of Christ to other people?

Blessings, Pastor Ruben