John 18:38–40 (WEL) Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no crime to punish him for.” 39 “Now you have a custom that I should release one to you at the Passover. Therefore, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 At this, they shouted, “Not this man, but Barabbas.” Now, Barabbas was a violent robber.
V38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no crime to punish him for.”
What is truth?
- Truth, according to God, is reality. When Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt, they did not recognize their brother Joseph, who was now the prime minister serving under Pharaoh. Joseph wanted to test them to see if they had changed over the years from a murderous group of men to godly men. They told him some things. Joseph, in return, wanted to test them to see if what they said was reality. Genesis 42:16 (EHV) “Send one of you to get your brother. The rest of you will be kept under arrest, so that your words may be tested, whether you are telling the truth. Otherwise, by the life of Pharaoh, you are spies.” Also see Psalm 119:142, Numbers 23:19, and Genesis 2:16–17.
- Truth must be tested by an objective standard (compare Deuteronomy 22:20); for believers, it is God Himself and His laws, character traits, worldview, lifestyle, words (both past and future), and actions. Philosophers and society may consider themselves to be the standard whether by reason, logic, feelings, etc. If it is not an objective standard, promises mean nothing, nor law, actions, emotions, etc.
Pilate was not concerned about truth. He was interested in keeping the Jews from rioting. Nevertheless, Pilate gave his official verdict, “I find no crime to punish him for.” Jesus is not guilty.
V39 “Now you have a custom that I should release one to you at the Passover. Therefore, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
Pilate thought he could appease the Jews by offering the most hated criminal in the area vs. Jesus.
The custom is a Roman invention to appease countries and population of Rome’s good gestures. It is called privilegium paschale.
V40 At this, they shouted, “Not this man, but Barabbas.” Now, Barabbas was a violent robber.
The Jewish leaders and their followers would rather have the worst criminal in Israel free than have Messiah live. They loved sin and wanted someone just like them.
Principle: People enjoy fellowship and society with people just like them. If they are evil, they enjoy fellowship with evil people. If they are righteous, they enjoy likeminded people.
Principle: Be aware of those you enjoy being with.
We learn:
- About truth.
- About appeasement instead of justice.
- About the love of evil.
Questions:
- What is your standard for truth?
- What is the standard you use to make your choices and decisions?