Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 32-33; John 18:24-40
“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” – John 18:37
Jesus speaking to Pilate before His sentence to be crucified on the reason He was born and why He came to the world. If you asked people why Jesus was born, very few would include the answer, “To testify to the truth;” however, Jesus told Pilate that He came into the world to testify and demonstrate the truth. His teachings are always focused on the truth, because He Jesus is the truth as He declared in John 14:6 (KJV), “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Believers may give a variety of reasons for why they became Christians, but they need to include, “Because Christianity is an experience with the truth.” Jesus always told the truth, and He spoke rightly when He declared to Pilate, “My kingdom is not from this world”. There is no record where Jesus ever said anything contrary to the truth. Even though He came to this sinful world, He never sinned. “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:” – 1 Peter 2:22.
Unfortunately, too many people who claimed to be Christians and who want to rule in this world do not care about the truth or focus on always telling the truth. Too many who seek leadership in the kingdoms of this world unfairly characterizes or misrepresents the ideas of their opponents and others who look up to them. Whether they themselves live truthfully or not, most people want to hear the truth from their leaders and those who keep them informed about their government and their rulers.
Some who concern themselves mostly with the kingdoms and rulership of this world think believing in Jesus and His moral values should disqualify a person from holding public office. Yet, King Jesus steadfastly refused to use unrighteous means to acquire political office or spiritual influence in the world. He consistently told the truth and trusted in His heavenly Father regarding the consequences. Furthermore, Jesus declared that those who belong to the truth will listen to His teachings and obey Him, thereby also bearing witness of the truth.
The more we allow the teachings of Jesus take root in our hearts, the more truthful we become in our engagements and relationship with others, even when we find ourselves in positions of leadership like Daniel in Babylon.
Prayer: May the truth in Christ teachings dwell in our hearts richly to become bearers of the truth in Jesus Name.
Pastor Alfred Samuel