John 18:33-38 "What is Truth?"

John 18:37   “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

Pilate was cynical and responded to Jesus’ statement with a scoffing retort, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) Pilate was more interested in power than truth. He believed in power; he wanted to know if Jesus claimed to be a king. (John 18:33)  Pilate understood the authority of kings, but he was skeptical about anyone’s ability to know the truth. 

Without a desire for truth one cannot come to Jesus, but with a desire for truth one will have the openness of heart to hear the call of the Lord. "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." (Psalm 145:18) Jesus made it clear that his purpose was to testify to the truth. (John 18:37) Earlier in the Gospel we read the startling claim of Jesus, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Since Jesus made it his purpose to witness to the truth, we, too, as followers of Jesus want to be pursuers of truth. Truth opens the door to hearing the Gospel. Scientific, historical, philosophical truth—all truth in all forms—serves the purposes of God.

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Grandchildren. Mr. Happy sometimes surprises me with his wisdom. He seems the old man, and I the preschooler. This week he was working in the back yard with me cleaning up the bird feeder. As we worked I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. We’d been talking about his parents, and I made the observation that they were both doctors and that they helped people. So, “what do you want to do when you grow up?” I asked. He said, “It’s too early to say.” I was impressed with this wisdom beyond his years and immediately responded, “Yes, you’re right; it’s too early to say.” After a moment he broke the subsequent silence and said, “When I grow up I want to be a robber.” Startled, I looked up at him from my work and saw that his eyes were laughing. I laughed, too. Humor and wisdom—that Mr. Happy keeps me joyful.