4-19-2020 I AM the Truth

Text: John 14.6 Title: “I AM the Truth” Topic: Christ the Standard of Truth Series: “Self-Portraits of Christ” Occasion: Sun AM, 4-19-2020, First FWB Church Duncanville Introduction: In John 18 we read of the questioning of Jesus in John 18. In the course of that interrogation Jesus told Pilate “the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18.37). After which Pilate asked the question “What is truth?” (John 18.38a). If there was ever a time when it appeared that truth was a concept that does not exist in reality, it is today. Deception and duplicity are everywhere. You’ve no doubt heard this one, “How do you know when a politician is lying? When his lips are moving.” We laugh at the question as a joke, but most of us would probably agree that the answer is true more often than not. And it is not only the politicians that we expect to be liars, it’s the lawyers, and the businessman, and salesman, and the “unbiased” news reporter. Even our popular musicians have noticed the lack of truth. John Mayer had a hit song a few years ago called Waiting for the World to Change (2006) that contained this statement in its lyrics: And when you trust your television What you get is what you got Cause when they own the information, oh They can bend it all they want What is truth? Pilate’s question seems just as relevant today. But it’s not just these shady types (the politicians, etc) that we’ve caught in deception. It is those closest to us as well. Without a doubt all of us have had a friend or family member who has been dishonest with us. The psychologists and psychiatrists tell us that not only are we used to be lied to, but we are also quite adept at deceiving ourselves. Winston Churchill once said “Every now and then someone will bump into the truth. Usually he picks himself up and goes on.” Maybe Churchill is right, we simply don’t want the truth. Or maybe the truth lies elsewhere. In one of the most memorable lines in movie history, in the movie A Few Good Men, there is this exchange between between Lt. Daniel Kaffee (played by Tom Cruise) and Col. Nathan R. Jessup (played by Jack Nicholson). Col. Jessup begins: You want answers? Lt. Daniel Kaffee: I think I'm entitled. Col. Nathan R. Jessep: You want answers?! Lt. Daniel Kaffee: I want the truth! Col. Nathan R. Jessep: You can't handle the truth! Maybe Col. Jessup is right, we simply can’t handle the truth. Our post-modern philosophers have adopted the position, that there is no such thing as objective truth. There is no objective truth they tell us, there is only individualistic truth. In other words, there is only what is true for me, and that may not be what is true for you. And sadly, even our religious leaders have been guilty of lying to us. How many televangelists have extorted money from people? How many pastors have been caught in sexual or financial scandal which they had hidden for years? How many preachers have told us our problems would be solved and our illnesses healed if we just had enough faith or we just have enough of a positive attitude. How many times have we heard of churches covering up the truth in an attempt to avoid scandal? What is truth? Indeed! WHAT is Truth? Where are we to find the truth in this world? 1. We can’t find it in society – our politicians, lawyers, salesmen, businessmen, and media twist and manipulate the truth to deceive us 2. We can’t find it in our relationships – we all have been lied to by family and friends 3. We can’t find it in ourselves – we lie to ourselves either because we do not want to know the truth or we can’t handle the truth 4. We can’t even in philosophy – the philosophers no longer believe it exists 5. We can’t even find it in religion – even our religious leaders and institutions have misled us. What is truth? How are we to distinguish what is true from what is false? How are we to find truth? I. Jesus – The Standard of Truth Jesus answers that question very simply “I AM the Truth.” Notice that he did not say simply that his teachings are true. What he says is much more profound than that. Jesus claims I myself am the standard of truth. He does not simply give us a precept, he presents us a person; not a what but a who; not a code or creed, but his own character. Jesus himself is the standard that determines truth. He is the embodiment of truth. He not only does not lie, he also does not mislead or deceive. He does not deal in half-truths or operate with hidden agendas or motives. There is no hypocrisy in him, but his life corresponds perfectly with his teachings. He is truth incarnate, and what he offers is not religion but a relationship with the one who is the epitome of honesty, integrity, and authenticity. By identifying himself with the truth, Jesus contrasts himself as the polar opposite of Satan who is the Father of Lies. But he also distinguishes himself from all other men, who find it so easy and natural to live with dishonesty and deceit. II. Jesus – Key to Living Truthfully. How easy it is to lie, even for religious people. Lying takes many subtle forms – exaggerations to make impressions, shading the truth on a tax income form, lack of complete truth in appealing for funds, withholding information to create an impression, twisting the meaning to gain a point, offering a false excuse to cover a failure or protect our image. Jesus our Lord is the Truth, and he calls us as his disciples to live truthfully. To let our “yea be yea, and our nay be nay” (Matt 5.37). Given how easy and natural it is for us to lie, we may think that living truthfully is beyond our power or ability…and IT IS. But Jesus said “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” By knowing Jesus who is the truth, we are set free from the lies to live truthfully for him. He has provided the true teachings by which we should live. He has provided the true example which we are to follow. But most importantly, he has provided the true power to live truthfully as he did by being united to him who is the truth. Conclusion: Jesus as the standard of truth, help us to recognize dishonesty and deception especially within ourselves, and help us to live truthfully and authentically in this life.