WHAT IS TRUTH

John 18. 33-38

This scriptural account of the exchange between Jesus and Pilot feels fitting in that it speaks of kings and of truth, both of which are relevant to the times in which we live. Ours is a time when many people are resisting the desire of the one who seems thirsty for power and eager to wear the crown of a king. This is also a time when there are big questions about what is truth.

   I have learned that scripture does not have all the answers but instead filled with questions for us - questions that will lead us to truth that is within us. And so it is with this teaching from Jesus. He doesn’t give us any easy answers but instead challenges us with questions. What makes a true king? Are they one who holds power over the people or one who empowers the people? Is a true king one who strives to control people with fear, or one who strives for justice and leads with compassion?

   What about truth? How can we discern what is true from what is false? One thing I know is that truth is not confusing, but clear and sometimes simple. Truth strikes at the heart of the matter. Maybe that is why Rumi once said, “Follow your heart, it knows the way.” As for me, I often say that one of the best things about truth is you only have one story to remember.

   The thing about Jesus is he was and is steady in truth. His power was in that he continually gave it away to the people. He resisted the label of King and yet this man of no reputation - the poor one from Nazareth - is one of the most powerful and revered spiritual leaders of all time.

   Some of his last words before he left this earth were “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” Those haunting words are as true today as they were over two thousand years ago. And they were not from an imperial king, but from a true spiritual leader of the people, for the people.

   In all of this, Jesus, as he did with Pilot, refuses to give us answers. But he continues to challenge us with important questions, the answers of which can be found if we look closely enough into the mirror of ourselves and our society.

Brother Dennis