John 18:38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all”.
One of the frequently asked difficult questions is “what is truth?” Most times before the question is answered people move on to do what they believe is ‘the truth’. Jesus and Pilate had a candid conversation. Jesus spoke about His everlasting kingdom and the purpose of His visitation to this earth. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37). Pilate retorted to the answer of Jesus and said, “What is truth?” but he walked away without allowing the truth to sink into his spirit.
Many homes are divided, communities demented and countries indignant with animosity because the truth is concealed. So, what is truth? Truth is God’s perspective on any matter. Pilate asked a poignant question but did not wait for Jesus to give him the answer. His emotions and ego barraged him to crucify the Truth on the cross. Truth without love is brutality, and love without truth is hypocrisy. – Warren Wiersbe.
When confronted with a flood of emotions, stop and analyze the truth. Understanding God’s perspective on the matter will reveal the truth. What would Jesus do? How would Jesus react, respond and retort? Ask difficult questions that would unpeel the veneer of envy, ego and emotions and reveal the truth.
The tips to unwrap truth:
1. Envy: Most times truth is swallowed by envy. Pilate knew the leaders had brought Jesus to him because they were jealous (Matthew 27:18). We know the truth, not only by the reason, but also by the heart. – Blaise Pascal. Where envy is hidden in the heart, the truth will be marred and masked. In the commotion of the emotions, ask yourself the question, is envy the trigger?
2. Ego: Pilate was a leader who wanted to please the people. People pleasers compromise on truth to satisfy their ego. Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified (Mark 15:15). Ego destroys unity in families and visions in corporations. Ego silences the truth. In an argument, ask yourself the question, is ego blinding the truth?
- Enrage: Pilate gave into the furious rage of the Jewish leaders but Jesus remained silent to all the accusations. If I speak what is false, I must answer for it; if truth, it will answer for me. – Thomas Fuller. Truth need not be explained or justified. Unreasonable anger hides truth. Ask yourself the difficult question – Is my anger legitimate? Is it embedded in the truth or camouflaged lies?
Don’t shy away from difficult questions that reveal the truth. Truth is God’s thoughts on any matter.
John 8:32 “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Prayer: Father of Truth, help me to tap into the truth and understand your thoughts on any issue. It is truth, not tears that will set me free. Amen.
Leave a Reply