Following the Truth

While it might seem strange to say, finding the truth is not always an easy task.  Look at any political campaign and the two combatants speak of the same thing, but both according to their particular bias.  One hardly can find any truth in that arena.  Or, consider for a moment some of the divergent teachings about God and it is not hard to understand how the secular mind can become confused.  So much of the stuff we hear today as news is so empty of truth that it is hardly something worthy of our listening time.  

The search for truth always seems to be a difficult thing to figure.  Pontius Pilate had his struggles.  The self righteous Jews who were the pillars of the status quo spoke their word in one ear.  The pressuring words of Rome were filling the other and Jesus was standing in front of Him.  In the midst of so many voices declaring to be pointing toward the truth, Pontius Pilate asks the question, "What is truth?"  (John 18:38)  It was a question Jesus chose not to answer in their verbal exchange as Pilate was not really looking for truth so much as he was a way out. 

It would appear that the gospel writer, John, recognized the difference between the law and truth as he wrote, "The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."  (John 1:17)   As we think back to the Sermon on the Mount it is obvious that truth goes beyond and above the requirements of the law.  Over and over we hear Jesus saying, "You have heard that it was said,...but I say to you..."  (Matthew 5:21).  The law can only seek to direct outward conduct, but it is our striving for a heart so changed that the law is not necessary that keeps us on the road where Jesus is walking.