John 18:33-37

In the gospel of John, Jesus says to Pilate: "For this I was born, and for this I came into the world: to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

This conversation between Jesus and Pilate is not recorded in the other three New Testament gospels. It presents dramatically Christ on earth as the author of the gospel understands him and is not a journalistic report of a conversation Pilate and Jesus actually had. The account does not mention any witnesses, but the fourth gospel ends with an affirmation that the disciple of Jesus, who is relating the story, is witnessing to what is true. Certainly, this particular passage is about what is true, for Pilate responds to Jesus' statement with the question, "What is truth?"

If it is not factually true that Jesus said these words to Pilate, then what is true about this gospel account? The Christian answer to Pilate's question is that creation is filled with love and forgiveness, which enables us all to be more loving and forgiving.

In the Christian Bible this revelation culminates in Jesus, who is saving for those with faith in him. In the gospel of John, truth is to be found only in the church and among those who confess their faith in Jesus. But other witnesses in the Christian Bible testify that the redeeming love of God also embraces the Jews, who have rejected Jesus as the Messiah (Romans 9-11), and all the nations of the world, who worship different gods (Isaiah). Therefore, we are called to answer Pilate's question by affirming that God loves even those who reject love, because this is God's way.

Grace and peace...Bob