So Pilate ... said to [Jesus], "Are You the King of the Jews?" ... "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 ...." Then Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "... 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 18:33, 35b, 36a, 37-38)
Pilate is having a bad, bad day. He has an explosive political case dumped on him in the middle of Passover, when it might cause a riot in the city. Jesus' accusers have no case, though it's clear they want Him dead. And now Jesus is talking philosophy! No wonder Pilate asks, "What is truth?" and walks out without waiting for an answer.
It's a shame he didn't wait. For he was face to face with truth—God's truth, Truth incarnate in the form of a human being. If Pilate had listened, he might have had all his deepest questions answered by the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. As it was, Pilate misses out. His encounter with Jesus becomes just one more step toward the cross.
And yet, there is still hope—for you, me, and—at this point in the story—maybe even Pilate. Because hanging on that cross, Jesus will take on the lies of the devil and destroy them. Through His death He will break the power of evil forever. And when He rises from the dead on the third day, He will give life to everyone who will trust in Him.
WE PRAY: Lord, You are Truth. Keep me safe with You! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Do you think Pilate might have heard and believed after Jesus rose from the dead?
* Why does truth matter, anyway?
* What truth has Jesus told you that is a comfort to you?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Numbers 26-27 Luke 1:1-20
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