The Voice of Truth

Between his scourging and crucifixion we read of an encounter between the the Roman governor (Pilate) and Jesus. This particular exchange of words reveals a serious question that each of us must face; "What is truth?"

"Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"

"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.

Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him."

(John 18:33-38)

What is truth? If only Pilate had known who was standing in front of him when he asked the question. Think back to the words Jesus had spoken earlier in his ministry about truth. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth." (John 14:6, 8:31-32, 16:13)

Pilate was standing face to face with The Truth and missed it. He did not recognize the truth.

Thankfully we have the Spirit of truth with us to reveal the truth to us. So what does this mean for us today? We need to live in the light of the truth. We should walk with God each day recognizing him for who he really is.

Today as an act of worship learn the truth, seek the truth, embrace the truth, live the truth, and proclaim the truth. This can only happen when we "listen and believe the voice of truth!" (Casting Crowns, Voice of Truth)

Enjoy this video from one of my favorite Christians bands Casting Crowns. This is a live version of the song Voice of Truth.