God's Word For Today

Daily Devotional

The Truth of the Matter

Read John 18:1 through 20:31

In the Bible the concepts of reality and truth are first cousins, if not identical twins. In this world, on the other hand, they may be strangers—think “reality” TV. 

Jesus introduced Pilate to the reality and the truth of who was in charge and what was transpiring before him.

 “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true” (John 18:37).

Pilate may have thought he was cross-examining someone who was delusional. Although perceptive enough to realize the prisoner didn’t deserve death, Pilate could not grasp the reality beyond his five senses—the truth of Jesus’ words. Pilate had lost touch with truth, if not reality. Otherwise, he would have “listened to him with delight” (Mark 12:37). 

Sometimes in this world, truth and reality coincide; sometimes they do not. But when God speaks, the two always coincide. Those who love truth recognize it. 

Prayer Suggestion: Help me, Lord, to listen, to hear, and to obey Your Word—and not allow the world’s reality to contradict it. 

Quicklook: John 18:33–40