Pilate listened as the self-proclaimed King provided more details on the purpose for intervening in the affairs of this world. “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth.” Pilate was probably not aware of the miraculous virgin birth which certainly could have been a subject of discussion. The rumor mill may have been the source of some awareness concerning miracles performed – the blind given sight, the lame now walking, the deaf hearing, and perhaps the most astounding, the dead raised. But what captured Pilate’s attention at that crucial moment was Jesus’ claim to possess knowledge of truth. With mounting skepticism, Pilate objected. “What is Truth?”.
Not much has changed in 2000 years. As followers of Jesus Christ, we live in difficult times. The world has moved to a perceived relative truth which is in fact no truth at all. The idea of a sovereign God who alone defines truth is being attacked. Sound Christian doctrines are declared evil. Our world is seemingly a reflection of biblical history when in rebellion the nation of Israel chased after false gods, worshiping idols of their own making in complete disregard for the provisions of the One who created all things. It is again a time where everyone is doing what is right in their own eyes.
Earlier in John’s gospel, Jesus made the declaration, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” His life was the testimony of truth – He is the definition of truth. And He has a message. “No one comes to the father but through Me.” (John 14:6). The truth about our sin, our separation from God, our desperate need for a savior to rescue us from the wrath of God is declared in the gospel. These foundational truths speak of God transferring us from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of His beloved Son – a kingdom not of this world – all made possible by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Revisiting our passage in this Quiet Time Moment, there remains one other important statement from Jesus which must be considered. “Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” I can imagine Jesus staring into Pilate’s eyes testifying to one who was lost in his sin, desperately in need of a savior. Earlier in John’s gospel Jesus developed the shepherd metaphor in one of the great “I AM” pronouncements. “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me.” (John 10:14) The account suggests that Pilate did not recognize the shepherd’s voice, the call of truth. But as your eyes lift from the pages of John’s gospel account, you’re faced with the same question, “What is Truth?” Now some 2000 years later, transported from the Praetorium to your place of reflection, what do you do with this one called Jesus who claimed to be a King, born into this world testifying to the truth? Can you hear the Shephard’s call? “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
“For this 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.” Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?”
John 18:37-38
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