SCRIPTURE
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.'" (John 18:37)
OBSERVATION
After Jesus was arrested the Jews took him to Pilate. Pilate invited him inside the palace and began to question him. Jesus' answer was in response to Pilate's statement, "You are a king then!"
Having just celebrated Christmas we are mindful of Jesus coming into the world. In this verse he gives us the reason, to testify to the truth. He did not just testify to the truth in his words but he testified by his lifestyle. He was truth incarnate, in the flesh.
Truth has been defined as that "which corresponds to reality." There couldn't be a better definition for Jesus as truth. God is the ultimate reality. Everything begins and ends with him. Jesus came to earth to show us that truth. He spoke what the Father spoke. He did what the Father did. So in reality, Christmas is all about truth breaking into the world as a person.
APPLICATION
I often hear people say God is on our side. But the question really is, "Am I on God's side?" How do I know? Jesus says if I listen to him, then I am on the side of truth. Christmas is about light and darkness and the truth of Jesus lights my way in this world. If I'm lost or in need of direction, not sure where to turn or what to do, I look to Jesus. Really, my entire life is lived after Christmas, on this side of the first Christmas (post-incarnation). Jesus has come, testified to the truth, and returned to the Father. Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" My question becomes, "Who is truth?" It is Jesus.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to live the truth of Jesus, listening to him, and living my life on the side of truth.
