Do you remember the old tale about a king who believed he was wearing extravagant clothing made by a skilled tailor, when in reality, he was only wearing his underwear? I used to share this story with my children, and we would all laugh at the fact that only a child could see and speak the truth.

The question “What is truth?” posed by Pilate to Jesus is a profound moment in the Gospel of John (John 18:38). Pilate’s inquiry reflects a deep-seated skepticism about the nature of truth, especially in the context of political and personal agendas. Pilate asked this question during his interrogation of Jesus, a moment filled with tension and uncertainty. It symbolizes the struggle to grasp the concept of truth in a complex world.

The word for truth is Aletheia. It signifies “the revealed essence of a matter,” and is often interpreted as reality or factualness.

In a world where everyone has their own opinions, it becomes difficult to determine what is true or real. Understanding the concept of truth is crucial for our lives because the decisions we make are based on what we believe to be real.

Ultimately, seeking truth allows us to navigate through life with clarity and make choices that align with reality. Therefore, determining what is truth is essential.

To illustrate this, let’s consider the example of purchasing a car. Each new vehicle comes with its own set of specifications that guide us on how to operate it. While we may have personal opinions on how to use different features, these views may not align with the objective truth or what is best for the car.

The reason why the car engineers are able to explicitly dictate how to use the car is because they are intimately familiar with its design and functionality.

They possess comprehensive knowledge of each component’s intended purpose. As a result, they hold the authority to establish what constitutes truth when it comes to operating the vehicle. Interestingly, if we examine the word “authority,” we find that it derives from “author.”

This etymology reflects the concept that individuals who create something inherently possess authority over it. This principle applies even in our role as parents. Our right to nurture and educate our children stems from our active involvement in authoring their lives, despite our limitations throughout this creative process.

In an interesting parallel, the concept of sanctification can be clearly defined and amplified in the Bible. The term “sanctification” refers to setting something apart for its intended purpose and goals. For example, let’s consider a table. What is a table created for? It is designed for placing objects on it, such as plates during meals or a computer and lamp for work. Can you stand on a table? Certainly, you can! However, that is not the primary purpose of a table. Can you use it to wash clothes? Technically, you could attempt it, but the table is not suited for that function – continued exposure to water would eventually damage it. When we use a table correctly, we are sanctifying it by utilizing it according to its intended purpose.

On the other hand, when we misuse or use a table inappropriately, we are “missing the mark.” The mark represents the scope or reason why the table was created. In biblical terms, missing the mark is referred to as “sin”. Essentially, sin means deviating from how something was intended to be used or failing to fulfill its designated purpose.

In conclusion, truth often rests in the hands of those who have expert insight and direct involvement in creating or shaping a particular entity. Such authority allows them to determine what is true and beneficial.

As humans, we often think we can define truth based on our own perspectives or needs. However, just as light exists independently, so does absolute Truth. Since we did not create ourselves, it is ultimately defined by our Creator. Only God has the authority to distinguish between what is true and what is not. Therefore, we must depend on Him to guide us in our understanding of Truth.

Pilate had in front of him the only human who could truly answer his question about truth, yet he chose to walk away without listening for the response. If he had paused to engage with Jesus, he would have likely heard Him affirm, “I am the Truth” (John 14:6). And by listening, he would have changed his own life story forever!

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