In this sermon, we delved into one of the most profound questions posed in the Bible: “What is truth?” This question, asked by Pilate during his conversation with Jesus, is not just a historical inquiry but a timeless one that resonates deeply in our current culture. We explored how the Gospel of John uniquely emphasizes the concept of truth, mentioning it 48 times compared to the sparse mentions in the other Gospels. This focus on truth is pivotal because it introduces Jesus as the embodiment of truth itself.
We examined the context of Pilate’s question, understanding that Jesus’ trial was not merely a legal proceeding but a cosmic confrontation between divine truth and human skepticism. Jesus’ declaration that His kingdom is not of this world and His assertion that He came to bear witness to the truth challenges us to reconsider our understanding of reality. Jesus doesn’t just claim to know the truth; He claims to be the truth, the ultimate reality that pre-exists and upholds all creation.
In our modern context, the question of truth has become even more complex. We live in a postmodern world where objective truth is often denied, and subjective interpretations are elevated. This cultural shift has led to a deconstruction of truth, the death of the metanarrative, the demise of authoritative texts, the dominion of feelings, the decline of authority, and moral relativity. These descriptors of postmodernism highlight the challenges we face in proclaiming the Gospel today.
However, Jesus’ claim to be the truth offers a liberating alternative. By recognizing Jesus as the ultimate reality, we find freedom from the burdens of self-constructed truths and the anxieties they bring. This understanding equips us to share the mystery of Christ with others, helping them see the liberating power of the Gospel.
The following sermon was preached at the First Baptist Church of Benbrook on Sunday morning, July 21, 2024
Five Day Devotional Guide Based Upon This Sermon
Day 1: Jesus as the Ultimate Reality
Jesus’ claim to be the truth is not just a statement of knowledge but a declaration of His identity as the ultimate reality. This means that everything in creation is upheld by Him, and our understanding of truth must align with His nature and teachings. This profound truth challenges us to reorient our lives around Jesus, recognizing Him as the foundation of all that is real. Jesus’ declaration that His kingdom is not of this world and His assertion that He came to bear witness to the truth challenges us to reconsider our understanding of reality. Jesus doesn’t just claim to know the truth; He claims to be the truth, the ultimate reality that pre-exists and upholds all creation.
Colossians 1:17 (ESV): “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Reflection: In what ways can you reorient your daily life to recognize Jesus as the ultimate reality? What specific actions can you take today to align your understanding of truth with His teachings?
Day 2: The Cultural Challenge of Truth
In our postmodern world, the concept of objective truth is often denied, leading to a fragmented understanding of reality. This cultural shift has resulted in a deconstruction of truth, where personal feelings and subjective interpretations take precedence over universal truths. As followers of Christ, we must navigate this landscape with wisdom, holding firmly to the truth of the Gospel while engaging thoughtfully with those who see truth differently. Understanding the philosophical underpinnings of postmodernism helps us to address the barriers that prevent people from seeing Jesus as the truth.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
Reflection: How can you engage with someone who has a different understanding of truth in a way that is both compassionate and firm in the Gospel? What steps can you take to prepare for such conversations?
Day 3: The Impracticality of Postmodernism
Postmodernism, with its rejection of absolute truth, is inherently impractical. When faced with real-world situations that matter, such as medical emergencies or legal matters, the need for objective truth becomes evident. This impracticality provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate the reliability and coherence of the Christian worldview, which is grounded in the ultimate reality of Jesus Christ. By recognizing Jesus as the ultimate reality, we find freedom from the burdens of self-constructed truths and the anxieties they bring.
Proverbs 14:12 (ESV): “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
Reflection: Can you think of a recent situation where the need for objective truth was evident? How did this experience reinforce the reliability of the Christian worldview for you?
Day 4: The Weight of Ultimate Reality
Our souls cannot bear the weight of being our own ultimate reality. The anxiety and discontent prevalent in our culture stem from the burden of trying to construct and uphold our own truths. Jesus’ invitation to know the truth and be set free is a call to rest in His sufficiency and sovereignty, finding peace and liberation in His eternal kingdom. This understanding equips us to share the mystery of Christ with others, helping them see the liberating power of the Gospel.
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you need to surrender to Jesus? How can you practically rest in His sufficiency and sovereignty?
Day 5: Equipping for Gospel Proclamation
Understanding the cultural context of truth equips us to share the Gospel more effectively. By recognizing the philosophical underpinnings of postmodernism, we can address the barriers that prevent people from seeing Jesus as the truth. This understanding helps us to communicate the mystery of Christ clearly and compassionately, offering a compelling alternative to the empty promises of self-constructed truths. As followers of Christ, we must navigate this landscape with wisdom, holding firmly to the truth of the Gospel while engaging thoughtfully with those who see truth differently.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Reflection: How can you better prepare yourself to share the Gospel in a postmodern context? What specific steps can you take to communicate the truth of Christ with clarity and compassion?