What Is Truth?

Pilate asked Jesus perhaps the most important question in The Bible.

“What is Truth?”
John 18:38

How would you answer that? What is Truth to you? Is there a difference in lying and a “little white lie?” Is it a lie if the part you tell is true, but you leave out some things that, if told, would make it “the whole truth?”

Jesus spoke plainly about who is the author of lies.

“He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 8:44

Lying is a progressive disease. It starts out with withholding some of the truth, progresses to the “little white lie,” and then moves on into blatant lying.

After awhile, lying becomes a habitual way of dealing with life. The liar uses lying as his “native language.” Often he no longer even recognizes he is lying. He has morphed completely into lying to himself. The devil is pleased, as he has gained another convert.

Many have opinions of what sins would land someone in hell. However, their list often does not include lying.

Through John’s revelation, Jesus again spoke plainly of the fate of liars. He detailed those who would be denied access to the tree of life.

” … those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and anyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
Revelation 22:15

Jesus was very clear about lying. But let’s go back to Pilate’s question. What is Truth? Jesus answered that too.

“I AM The Way, The Truth and The Life.”
John 14:6

God’s Name is “I AM!” (Exodus 3:13-15) So Jesus’ Statement shows Their Unity as The Truth.

Jesus also verified His Truth would continue, even after His Physical Body was gone from view.

“But when He, The Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all The Truth.”
John 16:13

God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit are The Truth. They will never lie to you. They will never speak against each other.

When any one of us lies, we are speaking against The Three in One Who are The Truth. When we lie, “the father of lies” is delighted. He will quickly shout, “I agree!”

When lying becomes habitual, satan can easily lie to us. Those who practice lying can no longer tell the difference between Truth and a lie.

Pilate asked Jesus, “What is Truth?” It was the cry of his heart to know.

After being in The Presence of Truth Himself, Pilate said to Jesus’ accusers, “I find no basis for a charge against Him.”
John 18:38

Pilate spoke the truth. And he continued to speak the truth.

However ultimately he was swayed by the chants of those who believed satan’s lies. He gave the command to crucify Jesus. And yet, The Truth remained. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent.

Pilate tried to free himself of his actions against The Truth by washing his hands.

“He took water, and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said.”
Matthew 27:24

But Pilate could never cleanse himself. The Truth would go with him for eternity.

I wonder if Pilate viewed the crucifixion. I wonder if Pilate heard Jesus calling out to God,

“Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.”
Luke 23:34

I wonder if Pilate knew Jesus’ Offer of Forgiveness was being extended to him. I wonder if he felt Jesus’ Blood dropping on him. I wonder if he knew that the blood he had tried to wash away was, in fact, coming from the very center of The Fountain of Truth.

As we enter this Holy Week, I invite you to allow The Truth to light up the dark places in your life.

Ask The Holy Spirit to reveal any lies you have believed, even about yourself.

Repent of believing lies and telling lies. Ask His Forgiveness for any times you have not spoken the truth. Receive His Forgiveness.

Commit yourself to allowing Him to show you His Truth every moment of every day.

“Then you will know The Truth and The Truth shall set you free!”
John 8:32