God on Trial: Truth

John 18:33-40

33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”

35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”

36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

38 “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. 39 But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”

40 They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.

God on Trial: Truth

What is truth?

This question has rung throughout human history. What is truth? We know that the truth is important. A mom asks her little boy with chocolate smudges on his cheeks, “Did you sneak a cookie?” When he shakes his head and quietly says, “No,” she says, “Just tell the truth.” Truth is important in all our human relationships; in fact, you can’t have a close relationship if you don’t tell the truth. Truth matters in every aspect of life from our work to the rules of the games we play.

Truth is especially important in the courtroom. Witnesses must swear that they will tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Jurors take an oath to “well and truly try the case and render a true verdict.”

It doesn’t surprise us, then, that as the Son of God stands on trial before a Roman governor, the subject of truth comes up.

Now, as much as history drags him, Pilate didn’t become governor of Judea for nothing. He may have been spineless on this occasion, but Pilate was a smart man. He knew history. He knew that since the time Rome had taken control of Judea, there had been several self-proclaimed kings and saviors who led multiple uprisings and rebellions against the Romans he represented.

Pilate also would have kept himself informed about current events. He would have heard the stories of Jesus’ powerful preaching and miraculous signs and wonders. He would have been aware of the following that Jesus was gathering. He certainly would have had on his radar reports of a man who had ridden into town five days earlier to the shouts of: “Hosanna, save us now, Son of David!”

If Pilate was worth his salt, he would have been worried. This was the Passover. Thousands of people were crammed into Jerusalem to celebrate how God had delivered his people from a foreign oppressor. To Pilate, the Passover celebration must have felt like a powder keg waiting to explode.

So when the Jewish leaders drag Jesus to Pilate’s palace early Friday morning, the governor wants to get to the bottom of it.

“Are you the king of the Jews?” Pilate wants to know whether Jesus is a threat. A simple yes or no will do. But Jesus would like to have a different conversation. “Is that your own idea, . . . or did others talk to you about me?” Jesus would probably like to talk about what it means for him to be the King of the Jews—without the baggage of whatever Pilate had heard. But Pilate wants to get to the facts of the case. “Am I a Jew? . . . Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” Jesus, you are the one standing in front of me. I’ll ask the questions here! Jesus replies, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” Pilate seems intrigued. “You are a king, then!” Now we’re getting somewhere! Jesus answers, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” You care about truth? So do I. That’s why I’m here in this world. Then Pilate asks his famous question: “What is truth?”

Considering Pilate’s background, it’s unlikely he was asking some abstract philosophical question about the nature of truth. Pilate was a military man, a practical guy who had negotiated his way up the ranks of the political system and had a job to do. He knew how truth could be manipulated and used to one’s own advantage. (We’ve all experienced this over the last several years, haven’t we?) Pilate looks at Jesus and says, “What is truth?” Your own people—your own religious leaders—are saying one thing, and you are saying another. Whom am I supposed to believe? “What is truth?”

During Lent, especially during Holy Week, we think a lot about the physical suffering that Jesus endured—the beating, the scourging, the crown of thorns, and the cross. We may not consider as much his emotional pain--the sadness he felt. Jesus came to testify to the truth. No one understood better how fallen the people of this world were and how much God loved them. There is only one way to God, one way to live—through Jesus. And Jesus wanted that for everyone. He wanted the crowds in Galilee to see that he brought more than earthly bread. He wanted the woman at the well in Samaria to know that he came to bring living water. He even wanted Pilate to see who he really was. Jesus came to testify to the truth.

Have you ever wanted people to believe something because you knew that if they did, it would change their lives? Maybe you know some people with addictions who are destroying their lives. Or others who face all kinds of problems and refuse to admit that some of them are self-inflicted. You only want these people to see the truth! Now multiply that feeling by a million. Jesus knew he had what Pilate needed—what the world needed —more than anything. Pilate, if only you were interested in the truth. Not the kind of truth that is distorted by humans in their selfish power plays but truth from God the Father, truth that reveals his heart of love for you!

But Pilate could respond with only a feeble question: “What is truth?” Whatever his intent, whatever his tone, it seemed to end the conversation. If Jesus answered Pilate, we don’t hear about it. Maybe he just looked at Pilate with eyes that seemed to recede into eternity and with love that reached into the depths of his heart. What is truth? He’s standing right in front of you! “I am the truth!”

Truth is not a fact, a formula, or a theory but a person. The Word made flesh. God made man. The final word from God and the source of salvation.

We live in confusing times. Facts are spun to get us to buy a product, support a cause, or vote for a candidate. Maybe we’ve trusted in people who presented themselves as someone other than who they really are, and we wonder, “What is truth?” Even the experts—scientists, doctors, economists, judges—often disagree about the best path forward. What is truth? We’ve asked this question in so many different areas of our lives that, sadly, sometimes it’s even affected our faith: How can I know this is true? With everything else being so uncertain, how can I be sure of Jesus?

In this life, there are many things we can’t know for sure. But we can know this: Jesus was born into this world to testify to the truth—to be the truth—to reveal that the very heart of God is love. How can you be sure? Watch as Jesus willingly goes to the cross to pay for your sins so that you can be sure there is no more penalty. Walk to the tomb on Easter morning to see Jesus declared the King of kings—to see life triumph over death. Jesus wanted Pilate to see. He wanted Peter and all the others to see. And he wants you to see. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—for you.

And Jesus still longs for others to know him too. Perhaps he’ll give you opportunities to have a conversation like the one he had with Pilate. When the people of the world put you on trial—when they ask who you are and want to know what you say about the truth—you can love them enough to speak to them like Jesus. Is that what you believe or something you’ve heard? What do you know about Jesus and his kingdom? In times like these, when truth seems to be whatever anyone wants it to be, the otherworldly truth to which Jesus testifies may be just the thing people are looking for. We know it’s the thing they need.

What is truth? It is Jesus! Amen.

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God on Trial: Misconceptions

Luke 23:1-12

1 Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.”

3 So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

4 Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

5 But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.”

6 On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. 9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.

God on Trial: Misconceptions

No one in these verses really understood Jesus.

Let’s start with the “whole assembly” that led Jesus away (Luke 23:1). This is the Sanhedrin—the chief priests and teachers of the law, the group that put Jesus on trial. They heard Jesus confess that he is the Son of God, but they didn’t believe it. They said Jesus was worthy of death, but they didn’t have the power to carry out the sentence. So they brought him to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.

Their official accusations consisted of two lies and a half-truth. The first lie: Jesus was misleading the nation. In fact, he was doing the opposite; he was trying to straighten the twisted teachings that false leaders like themselves were teaching. The second lie: Jesus opposed paying taxes to Caesar. In point of fact, Jesus had memorably said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Mark 12:17). The half-truth? He “claims to be Messiah, a king” (Luke 23:2). This was true, of course. Jesus did claim to be the Messiah, the Chosen One, because he is. And he is a King. But the way they presented this truth was meant to make him seem like he was posing as an earthly king—a threat to Rome—which he certainly was not. The Jewish leaders didn’t understand Jesus because they didn’t want to.

Pilate didn’t understand Jesus either, but for a totally different reason. He probably had heard of Jesus, but you get the impression he didn’t know much about him. Early on a Friday morning, a crowd materialized outside his headquarters in Jerusalem, shoving forward this plain-looking man and accusing him of claiming to be king. Pilate’s response tells us what he was thinking, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (Luke 23:3).

We’ll hear more about this trial next week. For now, let’s just say that Pilate didn’t see Jesus as a king. He sensed this man was no threat to Caesar. Pilate’s goal was to send the whole assembly home, but the Jewish leaders persisted. When they mentioned that Jesus was from Galilee, Pilate saw his out: Galilee was the jurisdiction of Herod, who happened to be in town for the Passover. Perfect! Pilate sent Jesus to Herod.

Herod may be the most interesting figure in this text. He had wanted to see Jesus for a long time. He had heard about Jesus’ exploits and wanted to see one of Jesus’ miracles! You can imagine Herod’s excitement, then, when they brought Jesus in. Let’s see what he can do! But Jesus did no miracles. He didn’t say a word. As Herod’s anticipation turned to disappointment and then boredom, he and his soldiers had some fun at Jesus’ expense and sent him back to Pilate.

The people who put God on trial in our world today have a lot in common with the people in this account. Like the Jewish leaders, some people today seem to be against Jesus because they feel his teachings are a threat to them and their way of life. They know him and don’t like him. Like Pilate, others seem less motivated by hate than by apathy. They don’t know much about Jesus, and they’re not interested to learn more. They have other things to do.

Then there are those like Herod. They’ve heard about Jesus and are intrigued by him. Maybe they’ve heard that he was a friend of sinners and assume that in him they will find an ally who will approve of their choices. Perhaps they think of him as the original rebel, an inspiration for their political cause. Or they’ve heard that he can help turn lives around, so they picture some magician who will make their troubles disappear with a wave of his hand. When they learn more and realize that’s not who he is, they lose interest or even turn against him.

What about us? Where are we in this account? Sadly, there is no one to look up to. But can we consider, for a moment, whether we might have something in common with all three – but maybe especially King Herod? There are times when we misunderstand who Jesus is. We treat him like a divine vending machine, expecting him to dispense blessings for us and then getting angry when we put in our money (or our time or effort) and no blessing drops. Or we gladly accept the good he sends but we chafe under the trouble, as if there could be a Christ or a Christian without a cross. Maybe we think we can enjoy his forgiveness without forgiving others or without fighting against the sins that need to be forgiven. We know better.

The problem—the thing we share with everyone in this story—is an inward focus. The Jewish leaders were only thinking about their political and cultural influence. Pilate was only thinking about his job and convenience. Herod was only thinking about his entertainment. We’re sinners like them. Our sin is like a warped lens that distorts our view of Jesus so that we see what we want to see.

I said that there is no one in this account for us to look up to. Of course, that’s not true. Jesus is here! But Jesus . . . well, in some ways Jesus fades into the background in this account. For the most part, he keeps quiet, unwilling to do tricks for Herod and refusing to answer more false accusations before Pilate or the Jews. When he does speak, he is respectful and truthful. He is steady and faithful and perfect.

In fact, Pilate and Herod confirmed this! Pilate sent Jesus to Herod because he could detect no crime; Herod sent Jesus back for the same reason. And these were men who had no trouble finding reasons to hand out cruel punishments. Unwittingly their apathy and laziness served to exonerate Jesus. And Jesus was innocent. That innocence of Jesus is what you now wear, bright like the robe they put on him.

Let’s not let Jesus fade into the background. Look at your God on trial. If you’re keeping count, these are now his second and third trials of that Friday morning. He hasn’t slept. At every stop he receives abuse and mockery. He knows this path will lead to the cross. But that’s where he wants to go, because even if everyone else misunderstands him, he knows who he is—your substitute, your sacrifice, your Savior.

This is the Jesus we want the world to see! He’s better than a magician who can wave away your troubles; he’s the Messiah who washes away your sin. He’s more than an inspiration for those who fight for freedom; he has freed us from death and hell! He has such love for sinners that he cannot just approve of our sins and leave us trapped in them; he forgives us and empowers us to fight against them.

As we present that Jesus to the world, there’s no question that many will continue in their blindness. Because of that, we can expect some mockery and opposition ourselves. If others don’t understand Jesus, they certainly won’t understand us. But I do think we have opportunities, especially with those people who, like Herod, are intrigued about Jesus, but just don’t know much about him. Have they heard that he has power? …that he is tender and compassionate? …that he taught peace? …that he has a special heart for the poor and downtrodden? It’s all true! But there’s more to say, and we’ll be happy to say it.

Jesus will make us bold. He stood before a governor and a king. Just three days earlier, he had told his disciples that they too should expect to be called before the authorities. The Bible tells about some who were—like Peter and John before the same Sanhedrin or the apostle Paul before another Herod and other Roman governors. We probably won’t be called before kings, but we can expect to stand before people who have some misconceptions about Jesus, and we can show them the real picture.

I said no one in this narrative understood Jesus. But that’s not entirely true. As Luke wrote these verses, he imagined one who did: the reader. He wrote for a believer named Theophilus, but by the Spirit’s inspiration he also writes to us. You and I hear these words today—we know who Jesus is. We know it by—and only by—the Spirit’s power. Our eyes have been opened to see that the man on trial is our God and Savior. That’s God’s gift to us and our gift to the world. Amen.

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