1. In these verses John recorded a number of questions that Pilate asked. a. Pilate asked the Jews a question in vs.29b. b. Pilate asked Jesus several questions in vs.33b, vs.35, vs.37a, and vs.38a. c. Pilate asked the Jews another question in vs.39b. 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on the question that Pilate asked Jesus in vs.38 -- "What is truth?" 3. Let us begin by examining . . .
I. THE SITUATION THAT PROMPTED PILATE TO ASK THIS QUESTION
A. Jesus had been arrested and taken into custody. B. Jesus was first taken before Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas. C. Jesus was next taken before Caiaphas the high priest. D. Jesus was accused of blasphemy, and He was judged to be guilty of death. E. Jesus was taken before Pilate so he could give the order for execution. F. During Pilate's interrogation, Jesus made 2 statements in vs.37 about the truth. 1. He came to "bear witness unto the truth." 2. "Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." G. Pilate then asked Jesus, "What is truth?" H. Jesus did not answer Pilate's question; however, . . .
II. JESUS HAD MUCH TO SAY ABOUT "TRUTH" DURING HIS MINISTRY
A. (John 17:17) Jesus identified God's Word as truth, and He said that God sanctifies through His truth. B. (John 14:6) Jesus identified Himself as "the truth." C. (John 8:31-32) Jesus said that we can know the truth, and it will make us free. D. (John 4:23-24) Jesus said that true worshippers worship the Father "in spirit and in truth." E. While Jesus had much to say about truth, we are especially interested in the fact that . . .
III. TRUTH IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE ARMOR OF GOD
A. In Ephesians 6 Christians are instructed twice to put on "the whole armor of God" (vs.11a, 13a). B. Putting on the armor of God will enable Christians to "stand against the wiles of the devil" (vs.11b, vs.13b). C. Our enemy is Satan. 1. (John 8:44) Jesus identified Satan as "a liar." 2. (Revelation 12:9) Satan is identified as a deceiver. 3. Satan demonstrated his ability to lie and deceive in his dealings with Eve (Genesis 3:1-5). 4. We are to resist Satan (James 4:7b). D. According to Ephesians 6:14a, the Christian soldier is to have his "loins girt about with truth." E. To be able to withstand Satan, Christians must be armed with "truth."
1. We have examined a number of passages that answer Pilate's question: "What is truth?" 2. Was truth important to Jesus? a. He came to "bear witness unto the truth" (John 18:37). b. If Jesus had denied being the Son of God, Pilate may have released Him. c. Rather than deny the truth, Jesus died a horrible death on the cross. d. Jesus considers the truth to be a matter of utmost importance. 3. Have you allowed God to sanctify you through His truth? 4. If you have, is truth a part of your armor?