John 18–Blogged Bible Study

What is Truth?

Jn 18:38
Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?      KJV

Is it not interesting that Jesus did not respond to this question?

I imagine (please note that this is my imagination, not the Word!) that Pilate asked that question with a sneering attitude:
       “Humph! You Jews have one group that lords it over everyone else because they are sinners. And you have another group that thinks they are special because they are the only ones who know there is no resurrection. And you have another group who is looking for some sort of messiah to rescue them from Caesar’s rule. Each group claims to have the truth. So, Big Shot, what is truth?”

And since Jesus found no sincere asking, He did not respond. He had been responding. But not now.

He had already told everyone who would listen that He was the truth (John 14:6).

And had he answered Pilate with the truth of “I am,” would Pilate have been able to stand? (for more on this thought from another writer to this blog click here.)

There had to be a reason that Jesus did not reply, did not say anything.

Is it necessary that I always have a response or a retort to whatever is spoken in my direction?

Is it not possible that truth would be better served by my silence in some situations?

Must I always run off at the mouth?

Ps 141:3
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.     KJV

NOTE: Others also contribute to this study throughout the week. Go here to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches

Published by Dale Hill

Dale Hill began teaching from the Bible and ministering to God's people more than 50 years ago. From the beginning his focus was on Peter's question, "How should we then live?" (2 Peter 3:11) Now, the richness of a life devoted to serving God and His people is being made available in print form so that many more believers will be able to benefit from Dale's ministry.

10 thoughts on “John 18–Blogged Bible Study”

  2. Dale: I too wondered at that. I thought maybe it was because Jesus knew that Pilate wasn’t really interested in knowing what the truth was. Hmm, the guy that was supposed to be getting to the truth of the accusations against jesus wasn;t really interested in know the truth, or the Truth.

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  3. I always feel a need to explain things. The “slow to speak” part is not something I’ve gotten the hang of yet!

    Of course, Jesus always knew what was in the heart of a man. I always assume I’ve just been misunderstood. 😕

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  4. Michelle, I’ve been working on the ‘misunderstood’ part, too.
    The Lord spoke very clearly to me a week ago this past Sunday: “You need to let go of the need to be understood.”
    It is a challenge.

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  5. Dale, this

    Is it not possible that truth would be better served by my silence in some situations? got me. I am always compelled to have an answer … yet sometimes silence was the answer. That is quite challenging for me.

    For my imagination ( 🙂 following suit) I imagine Pilate to have said, “What is truth?” in a kind-of despairing voice. Like … he didn’t expect an answer. “With this he went out again to the Jews …” Kind-of the rat race mentality. You just ‘work as hard as you can, do the best that you can, for as long as you can, and hope that there’s a carrot at the end.’ Or ‘everything is relative and there are no concrete answers.’ That’s how I imagine him saying this. Either is possible, I suppose. Thanks for the post!

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  7. “What is truth?” “Who is God?” Often in our haste to answer we miss the need.

    Often silence in the face of questioning is the answer. Choosing not to engage doesn’t mean you don’t care, or don’t have an answer. It can often show a tremendous amount of self control. Silence when question helps you listen to the true meaning or need behind the question.

    Peace and Love Brother

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  8. Annie,
    I think your way of seeing the possibility may be more in line with reality. I have often thought of it that way. I just felt to ‘play’ with a different approach this time to see what would come of it.
    You are correct, of course, since the Scripture is silent, either way of thinking about it is acceptable–as long as we don’t divide over it 🙂

    Wouldn’t that be cute? We could start First Church of the Imagination and split off when someone has a different imagination!! 🙂

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