Part 2: What Is Truth, Really?

Back in 2016, Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year wasn’t “justice,” “peace,” or “integrity.”

It was “post-truth.”

Their definition? Something like: “We don’t care what’s true. We care what feels right.”

Pilate would be proud.

So would the one Jesus called “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

In John 18, we’re given one of the most haunting scenes in the Gospels. Jesus has been betrayed, arrested, and dragged before Pilate—the Roman governor with the power to set Him free. Pilate isn’t concerned with Jewish law or messianic claims. He just wants to keep things quiet and keep Caesar happy.

And so he asks, “Are you a king?”

Jesus responds, “My kingdom is not of this world… I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

And then Pilate delivers one of the most cynical shrugs in history:

“What is truth?”

And just like that, he walks away.

But here’s the thing: Truth was standing right in front of him.

Pilate wasn’t asking because he wanted to know. His question wasn’t curiosity—it was sarcasm. He wasn’t searching for answers. He was scoffing at the idea that there even was one.

Sound familiar?

Our world today may use new language and slicker hashtags, but it’s asking the same question in the same tone. What is truth?

Isn’t it just a matter of opinion?

Doesn’t it change with time, culture, or personal experience?

No, Jesus says.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

That’s not just a doctrinal statement. That’s a radical redefinition. Truth isn’t an idea—it’s a Person.

Someone once said, “We’ve become a culture that stares at a lighthouse and argues whether the light is offensive.”

Jesus came as the light. As truth. Not to condemn, but to rescue.

Not to shout us down, but to call us in.

But in a world of flashing lights and digital noise, we ignore the only light that can guide us home.

Let’s be honest: Have you ever shrugged like Pilate?

Treated God’s Word like a buffet—take what fits, skip what confronts?

Walked away before waiting for the answer, because deep down… you already knew it, and didn’t like it?

Chosen comfort over conviction?

Jesus said, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

He didn’t say truth was something to argue about—He said it was something to follow.

So let’s clear something up.

Truth is NOT:

Just a set of moral values

Whatever I feel strongly about

Whatever gets the most likes or shares

Truth IS:

What we see when we see Jesus

What we read when we open Scripture

What the Spirit guides us into

What sets us free

And if we think truth is a tool to win arguments or dominate culture—we’ve already missed it.

The Bible never calls us to fight culture wars. In fact, it warns against treating people like enemies.

“Our battle is not against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:12)

People aren’t the enemy.

The enemy is the enemy—and he’s been feeding lies since the garden.

Truth isn’t a club to beat people down. It’s a light to lead people home.

Jesus didn’t come to defeat people—He came to rescue them.

And you can’t rescue people you’re trying to destroy.

So, back to Pilate’s question: “What is truth?”

Jesus answered it. With His words. With His life. With His cross and His resurrection.

Truth is what we see when we see Him.

Coming in Part 3: Counterfeit Truths We’ve Bought Into

We’ll explore the half-truths, twisted phrases, and cultural lies that sound spiritual… but subtly lead us away from Jesus. Get ready—you might be surprised how often we fall for them.