Jesus said to Pilate: “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
~John 18:37 (NRSV)
The interaction between Jesus and Pilate was filled with as much intrigue as that of the encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4:1-42) and even that of the meeting with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). Jesus was such an enigma, and the Spirit proves ever-enigmatic, today.
In the process of being tried, Jesus, knowing his fate rests forlornly with the Roman governor, still clings unswervingly to right testimony; indeed, one that is rich with theological meaning, beyond even Pilate’s vague interest.
What might seem insignificant to Pilate, however, is ever more significant to us.
Those with Allegiance to Jesus...
Completing the sentence, as Jesus’ red letters attest, those with allegiance to Jesus will belong to the truth—they will, beyond shadow of a temptation, more often than not, avow the truth. The truth is more important than their comfort or reputation.
The truth is how they will be known; the truth is more important than any other fact, besides grace, which seasons the truth with the intimacy of a courageous, self-sacrificial love. But such grace doesn’t, one iota, flatter anyone and, therefore, betray the truth.
Indeed, those with allegiance to Jesus know that to worship the Lord aright is to worship in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).
Discerning the Truth
Jesus’ differentiation, here, is quite stark. What he may be saying is, those attuned to the truth will hear the voice of the Lord, by the Holy Spirit, and they will indeed listen to it.
They will be open to it—the vision and hearing of the truth; all manifestation.
Their minds would be piqued and their hearts, engaged. Discerning the truth is the gift of those at home with, even owned by, Truth.
At Home With, Even Owned By, Truth
Imagine for a moment being characterised by something so much that it stakes a claim within us. That is how the royal residence of Truth is portrayed, here, in John’s gospel.
We, who might reside with Truth, are, one and the same, inhabited by the Holy Spirit.
When we are saved, the gift of the indwelt Holy Spirit makes Truth abide. We both see the truth and are convicted of it; the repentant nature clings ardently because Divine surrender is now no longer an issue.
Through this newfound desire and ability to turn-back-to-God, we have blessing in tow; to redeem faith, hope, and love to enjoy miraculous differences. Now, because of the truth, we have nothing to fear; all things are ours in the Lord our God—all because we listen to Jesus’ voice and belong to Truth.
© 2011 S. J. Wickham.
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