What is The Truth?

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 14:6

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, 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.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate.

John 18:37-38

REFLECTION

Have you ever believed something completely, only to find out it was completely false? Sometimes we avoid the truth because it’s unsettling, threatening our sense of stability and hope. Truman Burbank, from the 1998 film The Truman Show, thought he lived a normal life in Florida, but his entire world was a fabricated TV set, with actors playacting every role around him.

What if what we rely on is false, and an absolute truth exists? While it's common to believe truth is subjective, the existence of truth means there are also deceptions. We need truth in order to thrive.

Perhaps that is why Jesus said to His disciples, “I am the Truth.” In contrast to Him, all else is only an illusion.

The story of Eve in the garden illustrates how deception has always been entwined with human experience—Satan misled Eve with half-truths, enticing her to desire being like God. Just as Eve was enticed by the promise of autonomy, many today are drawn to the idea that happiness comes from defining our own reality, often without considering deeper spiritual truths. This comparison is relevant because the same longing for self-determination that led Eve astray continues to shape modern attitudes toward truth.

Like Eve, we are tempted into this false belief that somehow, we can be the master of our own destiny, we can find our own TRUTH in whatever makes us happy. Some may pursue fulfillment through career success or material possessions, believing these will provide lasting happiness, while others may turn to popular philosophies that prioritize individual feelings over objective standards. These contemporary examples show how the desire to "be like God" manifests in efforts to shape our personal truth, often at the expense of is really true.

James cautions, "Don’t be deceived," explaining that temptation arises from one’s own desires, which can lead to sin and eventually death (James 1:14-16). When Pilate interrogates Jesus about being called King of the Jews, Jesus responds, "I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth." Pilate then asks, "What is truth?"

When Pilate questioned Jesus, he may have been seeking to absolve himself by insisting that there is no absolute truth. This perspective reflects a common human tendency to avoid responsibility by claiming that truth is relative or unknowable.

Jesus did not simply promise to teach about truth—He declared, "I am the Truth." This means that Jesus is the ultimate source of truth, embodying both divinity and humanity. For those who are feeling confused or uncertain, the invitation is to turn to Jesus, who offers a truth that surpasses human understanding or experience. Jesus came to testify to this deeper, spiritual reality, and help us recognize Him as the one true God who brings clarity and hope.

If you are feeling lost or questioning what is true, ask yourself: Is that where you find yourself today? Sometimes the truth we discover within ourselves can be difficult to face, and it’s natural to wonder what is genuine and what is merely illusion.

Take heart—you do not have to remain trapped by uncertainty or deception. You can come to know the Truth, and He can set you free. For those who want to explore this further, practical steps include reading the Gospel of John, which presents Jesus’s teachings about truth, or reaching out to someone you trust to discuss your questions. Seeking community or guidance can help you find understanding and peace on your journey.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You seeking clarity and guidance. When I am uncertain or confused, remind me that Your truth remains constant and unchanging. Help me to recognize the deceptions in my heart and around me. Give me the courage to embrace the truth found in Jesus. Lead me to trust in Your wisdom, and fill me with hope, peace, and freedom as I follow You. Amen.