What is Truth?

"Truth" is an important word and theme in John's gospel.  One commentary indicated it is referenced twenty-five times in this particular gospel.   Among the more memorable references comes in the 14th chapter of John as we hear Jesus saying, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." (vs. 6)  "I am...the truth,"  comes from the mouth of Jesus.  And, of course, another memorable reference to this word comes from the lips of Pilate as he asks Jesus that question which hangs out there for all generations to consider.  "What is truth?"  is Pilate's question.  (John 18:38)

 

In the Prologue of John's gospel, we hear the Word of God declaring, "And the Word became flesh and dwelled among us and we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth."  (John 1:14)  We may try to play loose with the truth, and we may seek to define it in many different ways, but if the Word of God is taken seriously, truth is always found in the person of Jesus Christ.  It is not that Jesus is described in the gospel as a speaker of truth, or someone who models a life of truth; instead, the gospel equates truth with Jesus.  The "I am..." (John 14:6) declares Jesus and the truth to be one in the same.  And, the Prologue declares that the divine One who became flesh is full of truth.  To be full means that there is room for nothing else.

 

Of course, the world around us looks everywhere but to Jesus for a Word about truth.  The truth  is not culture based, nor is it based in secular philosophies, or the guiding light of common consensus, but is Kingdom based and centered.  If what we know as the truth does not fit inside the reality of the Kingdom, it is no truth at all, only a misleading falsehood which leads to destruction.  As we answer Pilate's question, we need be careful for our answer will define who we are in our relationship with Jesus.