Truth

N.T. #301  "Truth"

May 9, 2024 

Matthew 27-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

We find a conversation carried on between Jesus and Pilate in John 18:33-38 In New Living Translation:

•  Are you the King of the Jews? (Pilate asked.) 
• Is this your question, or did others tell you about Me? (Jesus' reply.)
• It is as you say. (Matthew 27:11)
• Am I a Jew? Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done? (Curious Pilate) (Jesus claimed of a kingdom not of this world to be mere religious superstition, not an offense deserving of death under Roman law.)
• My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, My followers would fight to keep Me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But My Kingdom is not of this world.(Jesus answered.)
• So you are a king? (Pilate's conclusion.)
• You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true. (Jesus responded.)
• What is truth? (Pilate asked.)

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me. (John 14:6)

Pilate met Truth face to face. Truth comes from God. Friend, this is Truth-the only way to heaven is by believing in Jesus to be God's Son and asking Him to forgive your sins and be your Savior.

Have you?

The truth of the matter is this: Jesus wasn't on trial here, butit was really Pilate and the religious leaders who were on trial. Jesus knew the Truth and He knew God's plan. 

When we are questioned or ridiculed because of our faith, it is our accusers that are on trial before God, not you. ((Life Application Study Bible)

When we know Jesus, we know the Truth.

LET IT GROW

Then Pilate went out again to the people and told them, I find no fault. 

Sometime during all these events, as Pilate sat on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.

No details. No explanation. Just a dilemma for Pilate. On one hand, he thought Jesus to be innocent of any crime meriting death, ye if there was a riot or report to Caesar he was providing a safe haven for treasonous claimants to the throne of Israel, Pilate would be in danger of losing his job. 

The Jewish leaders wanted Jesus out of the way. Yet He is The Way.

Pilate gave the people an option of having Barabbas, a rebel and a murderer, or Jesus released. What a turkey! 

The chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and to destroy Jesus. (Matthew 27:20)

What would we have done in those shoes? Yet, it was Jesus' purpose for coming to earth-show us how to live pleasing God, show us how to love others and forgive them, and die in our place as payment for our sins.

LET IT GO

Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God, forgive me of my sins.

Help me to stand for Your Truth today.