What Is The Truth?

Read Matthew 5:33-37.

-Often times when we think about what it means to tell the truth we think that means we just don’t lie. Amen, this is definitely a part of it but it is deeper than that.

As I reflected upon this passage this week and what it means for yes to be yes and your no to be no and to tell the truth.

I came to the conclusion if we lack understanding what truth is, we will never be able to fully grasp the weight of truth and telling the truth

As jesus is before pilate before his death, pilate ask jesus a simple yet profound question….. WHAT IS TRUTH?

Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” has reverberated down through history. Was it a melancholy desire to know what no one else could tell him, a cynical insult, or perhaps an irritated, indifferent reply to Jesus’ words?

In a postmodern world that denies that truth can be known, the question is more important than ever to answer. What is truth?

A Proposed Definition of Truth

In defining truth, it is first helpful to note what truth is not:

• Truth is not simply whatever works. This is the philosophy of pragmatism—an ends-vs.-means-type approach. In reality, lies can appear to “work,” but they are still lies and not the truth.

• Truth is not simply what is coherent or understandable. A group of people can get together and form a conspiracy based on a set of falsehoods where they all agree to tell the same false story, but it does not make their presentation true.

• Truth is not what makes people feel good. Unfortunately, bad news can be true.

• Truth is not what the majority says is true. Fifty-one percent of a group can reach a wrong conclusion.

• Truth is not what is comprehensive. A lengthy, detailed presentation can still result in a false conclusion.

• Truth is not defined by what is intended. Good intentions can still be wrong.

• Truth is not how we know; truth is what we know.

• Truth is not simply what is believed. A lie believed is still a lie.

• Truth is not what is publicly proved. A truth can be privately known (for example, the location of buried treasure).

The Greek word for “truth” is aletheia, which refers to “divine revelation” and is related to a word that literally means “what can’t be hidden.” It conveys the thought that truth is always there, always open and available for all to see, with nothing being hidden or obscured. The Hebrew word for “truth” is emeth, which means “firmness,” “constancy” and “duration.” Such a definition implies an everlasting substance and something that can be relied upon.

From a philosophical perspective, there are three simple ways to define truth:

1. Truth is that which corresponds to reality.

2. Truth is that which matches its object.

3. Truth is simply telling it like it is.

First, truth corresponds to reality or “what is.” It is real. Truth is also correspondent in nature. In other words, it matches its object and is known by its referent. For example, a teacher facing a class may say, “Now the only exit to this room is on the right.” For the class that may be facing the teacher, the exit door may be on their left, but it’s absolutely true that the door, for the professor, is on the right.

Truth also matches its object. It may be absolutely true that a certain person may need so many milligrams of a certain medication, but another person may need more or less of the same medication to produce the desired effect. This is not relative truth, but just an example of how truth must match its object. It would be wrong (and potentially dangerous) for a patient to request that their doctor give them an inappropriate amount of a particular medication, or to say that any medicine for their specific ailment will do.

In short, truth is simply telling it like it is; it is the way things really are, and any other viewpoint is wrong. A foundational principle of philosophy is being able to discern between truth and error, or as Thomas Aquinas observed, "It is the task of the philosopher to make distinctions"

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

-this is one of the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. On the last night before His betrayal and death, Jesus was preparing His disciples for the days ahead. For over three years, these men had been following Jesus and learning from His teaching and example. They had placed their hopes in Him as the Messiah, the promised deliverer, yet they still didn’t understand how He was going to accomplish that deliverance. After the Last Supper, Jesus began speaking about His departure, which led to questions from His disciples.

-In John 13:33, Jesus said, “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.” This prompted Peter to ask where He was going (verse 36). Peter and the others did not understand that Jesus was speaking of His death and ascension to heaven. Jesus’ response was, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

- Peter was still misunderstanding and declared that he would follow Jesus anywhere and even lay down His life if necessary. As Jesus patiently continued to teach His disciples, He began speaking more plainly about heaven, describing the place He was going to prepare for them (John 14:2–3). Then Jesus said, “You know the way to the place where I am going” (verse 4). Speaking for the others, Thomas said they did not know where He was going, so how could they know how to follow Him there? It was in answer to this question that Jesus uttered one of the seven famous “I am” statements.

I am – In the Greek language, “I am” is a very intense way of referring to oneself. It would be comparable to saying, “I myself, and only I, am.” Several other times in the Gospels we find Jesus using these words. In Matthew 22:32 Jesus quotes Exodus 3:6, where God uses the same intensive form to say, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” In John 8:58, Jesus said, “Truly, truly I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am.” The Jews clearly understood Jesus to be calling Himself God because they took up stones to stone Him for committing blasphemy in equating Himself with God. In Matthew 28:20, as Jesus gave the Great Commission, He gave it emphasis by saying, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” When the soldiers came seeking Jesus in the garden the night before His crucifixion, He told them, “I am he,” and His words were so powerful that the soldiers fell to the ground (John 18:4–6).

These words reflect the very name of God in Hebrew, Yahweh, which means “to be” or “the self-existing one.” It is the name of power and authority, and Jesus claimed it as His own. The way – Jesus used the definite article to distinguish Himself as “the only way.” A way is a path or route, and the disciples had expressed their confusion about where He was going and how they could follow. As He had told them from the beginning, Jesus was again telling them (and us) “follow me.” There is no other path to heaven, no other way to the Father. Peter reiterated this same truth years later to the rulers in Jerusalem, saying about Jesus, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The exclusive nature of the only path to salvation is expressed in the words “I am the way.” The truth – Again Jesus used the definite article to emphasize Himself as “the only truth.” Psalm 119:142 says, “Your law is the truth.” In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminded His listeners of several points of the Law, then said, “But I say unto you . . .” (Matthew 5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44), thereby equating Himself with the Law of God as the authoritative standard of righteousness. In fact, Jesus said that He came to fulfill the Law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). Jesus, as the incarnate Word of God (John 1:1) is the source of all truth. The life – Jesus had just been telling His disciples about His impending death, and now He was claiming to be the source of all life. In John 10:17–18, Jesus declared that He was going to lay down His life for His sheep, and then take it back again. He spoke of His authority over life and death as being granted to Him by the Father. In John 14:19, He gave the promise that “because I live, you also will live.” The deliverance He was about to provide was not a political or social deliverance (which most of the Jews were seeking), but a true deliverance from a life of bondage to sin and death to a life of freedom in eternity. -In these words, Jesus was declaring Himself the great “I Am,” the only path to heaven, the only true measure of righteousness, and the source of both physical and spiritual life. He was staking His claim as the very God of Creation, the Lord who blessed Abraham, and the Holy One who inhabits eternity.

- He did this so the disciples would be able to face the dark days ahead and carry on the mission of declaring the gospel to the world. Of course, we know from Scripture that they still didn’t understand, and it took several visits from their risen Lord to shake them out of their disbelief. Once they understood the truth of His words, they became changed people, and the world has never been the same. -So how do we follow Him today? The same way the disciples did long ago. They heard the words of Jesus and believed them. They took His words and obeyed them. They confessed their sins to Jesus as their Lord and God. They believed that He died to take the punishment of their sins and rose from the dead to give them new life.

-They followed His example and command to tell others the truth about sin, righteousness, and judgment. When we follow Him in “the way,” we can be assured of following Him all the way to heaven.

Read Matthew 5:38-42.

Non-Retaliation and Turning the Other Cheek: Jesus contrasts the Old Testament law of "an eye for an eye" with his command to "turn the other cheek" when someone wrongs us. This teaching challenges our natural inclination towards revenge and retaliation. Jesus encourages us to respond to hostility with grace and non-violence, demonstrating a spirit of humility and readiness to absorb insults rather than escalate conflicts.

Generosity and Going the Extra Mile: Jesus uses practical examples like giving one's cloak along with their coat, and going the extra mile beyond what is demanded. These examples illustrate a radical generosity and willingness to serve others, even when it involves personal inconvenience or sacrifice. By doing so, Jesus calls his followers to embody a spirit of selflessness and love that exceeds societal expectations.

Resisting the Cycle of Vengeance: Jesus' teachings in these verses challenge the cycle of retaliation and revenge that perpetuates conflict and division. Instead, he proposes a transformative approach rooted in forgiveness, reconciliation, and a commitment to seeking peace. This reflects God's character and his desire for humanity to live in harmony and mutual respect.

Witnessing to God's Kingdom: Ultimately, Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:38-42 are about embodying the values of God's kingdom in a world marked by brokenness and sin. By choosing non-retaliation, generosity, and reconciliation, followers of Jesus become witnesses to God's redemptive love and demonstrate the transformative power of living according to God's principles rather than worldly standards.

In essence, Jesus teaches us in these verses to respond to conflict and injustice with love, grace, and a commitment to uphold God's kingdom values of peace and reconciliation. His teachings challenge us to transcend our natural instincts for retaliation and instead embrace a radical way of living that reflects God's heart for humanity.

Read Matthew 5:43-48.

Command to Love Enemies: Jesus contrasts the traditional teaching of loving one's neighbor with his command to also love one's enemies. This goes beyond cultural norms and human instincts, challenging his listeners to extend love even to those who oppose or mistreat them.

Radical Love: Jesus explains that loving those who love you is a natural response, but true righteousness involves loving those who persecute you or wish you harm. This mirrors God’s impartial love, which extends to all people, regardless of their actions or attitudes.

Call to Perfection: Jesus concludes this teaching with the directive to "be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." This statement is often misunderstood as demanding flawless behavior; instead, it emphasizes the completeness and maturity of love that reflects God's character.

-Some people might view the command to be perfect as a proof text for sinless perfection. However, several passages of Scripture acknowledge the ongoing struggle with sin in a Christian’s life (Galatians 5:17; Romans 7:15–20; 1 John 1:8–10; Philippians 3:12). Jesus’ words cannot be used to defend the doctrine of sinless perfection, as Scripture consistently conveys a different message. We will never be perfect, in the sense of “sinless,” in this life.

Let us consider the overall context before delving into what it means to “be perfect.” Jesus begins His sermon by pronouncing blessings on unlikely recipients (Matthew 5:3–12).

-He then declares that His followers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, emphasizing the importance of good deeds (verses 13–16). Next, He turns His attention to the law, making it clear that His standard surpasses mere observance of the law’s letter (verses 17–47). Our thoughts and motives matter, too.

- That’s why Jesus equates lust with adultery and hatred with murder. He also emphasizes love for enemies, non-resistance, the permanence of marriage, and the avoidance of oath-taking.

-In Matthew 5:48 Jesus continues setting the standard higher than we are wont to set it. The literal interpretation is likely what Jesus intended. We are called to be absolutely perfect, matching the perfection of our heavenly Father. Every aspect of our being should align with God’s ways, including our deepest thoughts.

-The Greek word used, teleios, conveys a sense of maturity, completeness, or attaining a goal. In this context, the goal is to meet God’s standard, not simply settle for human morality. A follower of Christ cannot take an attitude of “I’m good enough.” -This realization should frustrate any honest person, for who can achieve moral perfection? Who hasn’t experienced coveting, lust, or hatred? The idea that we can be perfect like God seems hyperbolic. Moreover, the Bible clearly states that we are not perfect.

-We are all sinners and have fallen short of God’s standard (Romans 3:9–20; 1 John 1:8; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Psalm 14:2–3). How, then, do we reconcile the command to be perfect like God with the truth that we’re not? -The answer lies in the gospel. Jesus is the only One who has lived a perfect life, and it is through Him that we meet God’s standard. Rather than earning righteousness, we are declared righteous because of Christ. As Paul states,

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. (Romans 3:22-24, NLT)

Second Corinthians 5:21 further demonstrates the substitutionary atonement of Jesus: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Because we are made perfect through Christ, we should live accordingly. Our lives should exhibit God’s righteousness and holiness due to our identity as His people. Christ’s standard becomes a way of life as we obey His teachings. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we find the strength to love our enemies, uphold our relationships, overcome lust and hatred, and follow the other commands in Scripture. In obeying the command to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect, we cannot lean on our own righteousness, which falls far short. We must rely on Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit within us. “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).