Absolute Truth

John 18:33-38

The world we live in today finds the concept of absolute truth difficult to accept.  We frequently hear that truth is relative, and that whatever one believes is their personal truth.  That my truth might not be your truth, and vice versa. There are a few things that everyone accepts as truth, such as that the sun is hot.  However other things, especially moral issues such as adultery, lying, cheating, etc, many consider debatable, without a firm right and wrong. In our Scripture passage today from the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims that there is absolute truth, things that are true regardless of popular opinion, and that He is the source of truth.

As our passage opens the Jewish leaders have brought Jesus to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, wishing him to bring sentence of execution on Jesus. With the nation under the rule of the Roman Empire they do not have the authority to execute prisoners, so they brought Jesus to him. Pilate did not believe that Jesus was deserving of death, and several times told the Jewish religious leaders such.

Before making any official sentence one way or another, Pilate takes Jesus into his chambers to question Him.  He had heard that one of the charges that the Jewish leaders have brought against Jesus is that the people have been calling Him the “King of the Jews”.  Pilate asks Him if this is true (vs. 33). Jesus does not deny that He is a king, but clearly states that His kingdom is not of this world (vs. 36). Jesus’s kingdom is not connected to earthly political and national entities.  It does not have its origin in the evil world system that rebels against God. Jesus will conquer the world system at His second coming, but now He seeks to conquer sin in our lives. One day Jesus will return to set up His kingdom here, ruling over all nations.  Until then, His kingdom is focused on redeeming the hearts and souls of the lost.

Jesus then gives a challenge to both Pontius Pilate and to all of us. Jesus states that the reason He came into the world was to bear witness to the truth, and that everyone who is of truth will hear His voice (vs. 37).  If we wish to accept the truth, we will accept Jesus as the Truth, and as our Savior.

Pontius Pilate knew that Jesus was not worthy of being put to death, and he made several attempts to set Jesus free.  First he told the Jewish religious leaders that he didn’t wish to pass sentence on Him, and for them to judge Him according to their laws, (which could not include execution, by Roman decree). (John 18:31). The religious leaders were adamant that Pilate put Jesus to death. Then Pilate tried to find a way of escape to release Jesus, so resorted to an old custom of releasing a prisoner during the Passover festival (John 18:39). He felt that since the only other prisoner at the time was a murderer, they would accept Jesus being released, but he was mistaken. The religious leaders would rather have a murderer than Jesus! Then Pilate compromised by having Jesus flogged, and then would release Him (John 19:1-3).  Flogging was brutal and sometimes would kill the prisoner. Despite this punishment the religious leaders were insistent on death. Even Pilate’s appeal to their sympathy brought angry responses (John 19:4-15). He finally relented to their pressure.

Pontius Pilate knew what was right, what the truth was in this whole case brought before him, yet he was not able to take a stand for the truth.  He let fear and pressure make him back down. He couldn’t stand up for the truth. Pilate recognized the truth of what Jesus was saying, but due to pressure from others he chose to reject it (vs. 36-37).

It is tragic if we fail to recognize the truth, and even more tragic to recognize the truth and then not heed it.  Truth is not relative. It is not what the majority of people agree on, or whatever advances our power and goals. Jesus and His Word are the standard for truth and moral behavior.  Are we willing to take a stand for the truth in this world today, or will we capitulate to pressure from others and give in like Pontius Pilate did?