Main Thought
In John 18, Pilate asks Jesus a question that still echoes today: “What is truth?” In our world, truth is often treated as something personal and flexible. Phrases like “true for you, but not for me” communicate this idea. Some truths are relative - especially when it comes to preference or opinion. But we need more than relative truth. If everything is subjective, it becomes difficult to navigate reality, discern right and wrong, or know God.
Another kind (or category) of truth is absolute truth. Absolute truth is simply that which is real. It is not something we decide; it is something we discover. But we can’t discover the answers to life’s greatest questions on our own. We need truth that has been revealed to us. Jesus declared that He came into the world to bear witness to the truth. Through Jesus - and through the Word of God - we are invited to know what is real, what is good, and who God truly is. When we abide in His Word, we come to know the truth. His truth has the power to set us free.
Main Passages
So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
- John 18:33-36
Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
- John 18:37-38
“...If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
- John 8:31b-32
Discussion Questions
Our culture often talks about “my truth” or “your truth.” What are some examples of relative truth? Why do we need something more than personal opinion when it comes to life, morality, and knowing God?
How does knowing the truth - God’s truth - “set us free”?
Do any barriers prevent you from reading the Bible consistently? What might be able to help you “abide in the word” a little more?