“WHAT IS TRUTH?”
John 18:37-38 records an important exchange between Jesus and Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Jerusalem. Pilate had asked Jesus if he was the king of the Jews, to which Jesus replied, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."
Jesus’ response led to the asking of a poignant question, a question that for Pilate was birthed out of the Hellenization of Roman thought. A question that many grapple with today: "What is truth?”
Roman philosophy, in New Testament time had come to be based upon Greek influence. This is because after the conquering of the Greeks, Caesar commissioned the writings of Plato and Aristotle to be translated and taught across the Roman Empire. Also, the best and brightest of the Roman ruling class were sent to Greece to study under major philosophers.
Greek influence seeped into every part of the Roman Empire. This could be seen in Roman art and architecture, and literature linking Rome to Greece. Greek religion was even embraced as Rome adopted the same gods but with different names. Greek culture rolled into Roman society and became part of Roman culture. Though the Roman Empire had conquered Greece, Greek culture conquered Rome!
In today’s political and cultural climate, society has, (I think intentionallly,) caused truth to become a difficult if not impossible concept to define. Various philosophers, politicians, religious leaders and scientists are offering their own interpretations of “What is Truth,” even demanding that their particular version be quietly accepted without question and to not meekly accept their concept of truth gets you branded as “__________phobic,” (you fill in the blank as there are plenty of phobic labels from which to choose.)
Yet, as Christians, we must believe that Jesus himself is the embodiment of truth. In John 14:6, he declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
So what does it mean that Jesus is The Truth?
1. He is the embodiment of moral and ethical truth. Throughout the Gospels, we see Him affirming that God's law is the only valid standard of righteousness. In a skewed world where moral relativism and subjective opinions reign supreme, Jesus provides an unwavering anchor and standard for right and wrong.
2. Jesus also represents the truth of God's character. In Him, we see the infinite love, mercy and holiness of the Father. Through Jesus’ life, example and teachings, we come to know God in a personal and transformative way. We see how He interacts with people, how He heals and forgives, how He overturns tables in the Temple, and how He lays down his life. Jesus shows us what true obedience to God looks like, and we are called to follow His example.
3. Finally, Jesus represents the truth of our own identity. In Him, we find our purpose and worth. We are reminded that we are created in the image of God, and that we are called to lives of joy, freedom, holiness and service. We are not defined by our failures, our possessions, or our status, but by our relationship with the Son of God.
So Truth cannot be based upon perception, opinion, political position or moral stance, for those human ideals are easily swayed and change with the tides, but Truth can ONLY rest upon the unchanging and eternal character of Jesus Christ.
May God bless and keep you!
