1 minute read
What is truth?
by David Pan
Pontius Pilate was the fifth governor of the Roman province of Judaea. Most famously, he was the one who presided over the trial of Jesus. During an exchange recorded in John 18, Pilate asked Jesus; “What is Truth?”
Unfortunately, he walked out before Jesus could respond. We, however, get a glimpse into how Jesus would have answered such a question. In fact, earlier that night Jesus told his disciples “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV)
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He did not say that he was a truth; he said that he was The Truth. That ultimate authority and reality belonged to him. That life itself is found in him. There are many discussions today about what truth is. What is ultimate reality? What is right and wrong? Who gets to determine morality?
Certainly, there is something within us that gives us a sense of morality. For instance, most of us know that murder, theft ,and lying is evil. We even condemn and have judgments for those who commit such acts.
Even acts that are not punishable by governmental law, such as, adultery, hatred, and partiality, most of us will agree are wrong. We should not miss the significance of this. It means that there is ultimate morality. And if there is morality, there is one who determines this morality. There is The Truth, and Jesus claimed to be The Truth.
There are those who will say that Jesus was just a prophet. And those who will claim that Jesus was just a good person or a good teacher. But Jesus himself claimed to be God. Ultimately, it was this claim which led to him being crucified.
The Gospel of John is very clear in the first chapter that Jesus was in the beginning with God and that Jesus is God. As a result, ultimate authority, reality, and morality is his. He is the moral law giver and the righteous judge of that law.
This means that in all aspects of life there is a right and a wrong, there is truth and falsehood. There is a way to live life that leads to human flourishing. A way that leads to joy, peace, and satisfaction.
