Devotionals by Raul Ries

THURSDAY April 2, 2026

What is Truth?

Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
John 18:37

After a long night of questioning, mocking and physical abuse at the hands of the High Priest, the elders and scribes, Jesus stood before Pilate. The governor of Judea asked Jesus two key questions. First, he asked: “Are You the King of the Jews?” (John 18:33); and second, “What is truth?” (John 18:38).

Jesus addressed Pilate’s first question with His own question: “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” (John 18:34). Sarcastically, Pilate said, “Am I a Jew?” (John 18:35). Then Jesus spoke to him of His Kingdom:

“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36).

Pilate could not comprehend that Jesus’ Kingdom was not of this earth; it was a heavenly Kingdom. Pilate pressed Jesus for a more direct answer: “Are You a king then?” Jesus spoke plainly to the governor: “You say rightly that I am a king...” (John 18:37).

Jesus told Pilate the truth about His kingship and disclosed to him the reality of His Kingdom: “...For this cause I [Jesus] was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37). Pilate asked: “What is truth?” (John 18:38). When presented with the truth, what did Pilate do? He washed his hands and declared himself innocent of any wrongdoing, and then had Jesus crucified (Matthew 27:24; John 19:16).

However, Pilate was accountable for his actions. We are all accountable for the truth we have heard about Jesus. He spoke truth. The truth is, Jesus was born to save sinners. Listen and respond to His message of salvation.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
~John 14:6~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!