Want the Truth?

John 18:37d-40 (Jesus said) “Whoever belongs to the truth listens to me.” 38 “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. 39 But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” 40 They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion.
 
WHAT is at the center of the Jews’ charges, Jesus’ few responses, Pilate’s actions and the crowd’s reaction?
   It is truth, isn’t it? Isn’t God’s truth his reason for the Bible? John’s gospel is very much about defining Jesus as truth: John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Still, the ruling Jews accused Jesus, the living Word, of blasphemous teaching and unlawful actions based on their understanding of God’s law. Their traditions and positions were their truth.
   And even though Pilate asked, “What is truth?” he’s really not interested in the answer. His truth is as the Pharisees. Whatever protects his position is his truth.
   What kept Pilate from taking Jesus inside his house, inviting him to a meal and asking him, “What do you mean, ‘Whoever listens to the truth belongs to you?’ How can I know what is true?” Perhaps Pilate knew if he took such time with Jesus, his life would dramatically change. He might be confronted with his past evil actions against political opponents and the Jews. The truth of his weaknesses might cause him to lose his power as a Roman governor. Each aspect of his life that defined who he was would disappear as God revealed the truth to him. Pilate’s new view of truth would open his eyes to the true God.
   Knowing truth, Pilate would have been born again. A new foundation of faith and understanding would rule Pilate’s heart. Truth would define his faith and eternal relationship with Jesus. Pilate’s life would be a new creation in Jesus Christ.
   But this was not to happen on that day. Without desire for a true answer, Pilate did what most of the world does. He washed his hands of Jesus, and Jesus was gone. Pilate washed his hands of truth, and he remained in the filthy hands of his own desires.
   Have you been close to getting to know Jesus better but then stepped back? Were you afraid of what would change in your life, what you might have to stop doing and what you might need to begin doing?
   Many people express a desire to enter into a new experience with God. They claim they want change. But then they see what the Lord requires, and they back away. God’s truth is washed away with their own desires above God’s will.
   What is truth? Hear the Father’s answer: Luke 9:35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”