“What is Truth?”

This is one of the most important questions we ask outselves.

This is the question Pilate famously asked Jesus during his trial.

It was Jesus who had first raised the question of truth.

For the Jewish authorities, it was Jesus' claim that he was the Son of God that made them want him dead.

It was blasphemy to say such a thing.

But this was of no concern for the Romans, who held the authority and power of the death sentence.

So, Jesus was presented to Pilate as a threat to Caesar, as claiming to be King of the Jews.

Pilate asked Jesus in effect, “is this true - are you the king of the Jews?”

Jesus tells Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world; if it were, his men would have responded to with force for their actions.

Jesus declares that his whole purpose was “to testify to the truth.”

Indeed, Jesus had described himself as the Truth, and had said that the truth would set people free.

Pilate is not asking a question, he’s really making a statement; what does truth matter, what’s truth got to do with it?

If he sets Jesus free, he is in deep trouble with the people he has to govern.

If he doesn’t, he risks being in trouble with Caesar - not to mention condemning a man he finds and announces to be innocent.

It is not always expedient to recognise the truth.

One of the beautiful things about Jesus, even facing the threat of crucifixion, is his integrity, his authenticity.

The apostle John describes Jesus as being full of grace and truth.

Michael Bonser

Retired Baptist Pastor

Stanley Road Baptist Church

Morecambe