In the Garden of Gethsemane, hours before His arrest, Jesus prayed for the disciples: “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” John 17:17
A little later, when questioned by Pilate, Jesus replied that He’d come into the world to testify to the truth. This prompted Pilate’s philosophical question that people today still ask: “What is truth?” John 18:37-38 says, “’You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’ ‘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.’”
The meaning of the word corresponds to what actually is, not what we feel or wish were true. We may avoid truth—or water it down or cover it up—because it can be uncomfortable to expose weakness or bring wrongdoing into the light.
Truth is so important its’s mentioned almost 200 times in Scripture. In fact, in chapters 17 & 18 of John, which describe Jesus’ last hours before the crucifixion, the word is mentioned six times. Here’s why it matters so much: When truth loses its supreme position in our life, everything begins to crumble. But truth is more than factual or accurate information. It’s a way of living that removes barriers and sets people free to enjoy the abundant life Christ wants for us.
John 10:10 says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” “‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,’ Jesus said.” John 14:6, and by following Him, we’ll discover the key to true peace and fulfillment.
How can you pursue truth in a greater way this month?
Printed in “In Touch Daily Readings for Devoted Living”
Charles Stanley, In Touch Ministries intouch.org