Truth is a Beautiful Thing! (11/4/21)
Mark Barbee

People are very confused today about truth and where it comes from. Does it begin with polls, or movements? Does it change and evolve? No, Truth begins with God, flows through Jesus, and is applied by the Holy Spirit.

There are many statements about truth in John’s gospel. It is one of the main themes of the book. In a confused world, it is a relief to know Truth. Don’t trade it for anything less! Seek the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Half-truths are lies!

John introduces us to the Truth in his first chapter. Truth comes from the Father and was with Him in the beginning. It is the Word that became flesh. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.”

In chapter 4, Jesus said that we would “worship in Spirit and in truth.” In chapter 8, he said, “If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Jesus refers to truth in nearly every chapter of John’s gospel. Truth is a beautiful thing.

In chapter 14, Jesus proclaims that he is “the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me.” There is only one truth. It is not your truth or my truth, but God’s truth! Ultimately, truth is the person of Jesus.

In chapter 16, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will come and guide the believers into all truth. He then prays for them, “Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth.” Finally, before Pilate, Jesus testified that he came to bear witness to the truth. Pilate famously stated the theme of every agnostic; “What is truth?”

Truth does not change. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! You can deny the truth, but that doesn’t change it. Pilate thought he was taking care of a local troublemaker. Instead, he played a role in God’s plan to make Jesus the Savior of the world.

Lord, we thank you for truth. We thank you that it is eternal and unchanging. Thank you that Jesus is beautiful because he is the truth. He embodies truth and is the pathway to truth. Thank you that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Those who deny him now will one day bow before him and proclaim that “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.”

Thank you Lord, that we can receive you today and give you our problems. Thank you that Jesus understands our struggles because he is “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” (Is. 53:3)

Forgive us for not looking on the beauty of Jesus more often, for he is truth! And guide us into all truth through your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.