Pilate's question, put to Jesus when He stood trial before the Roman governor, is one that thoughtful people have been asking ever since; indeed were asking before the first century AD. Pilate has been blamed for not waiting for a reply but it's possible that he did. We may not know everything that happened at that remarkable interview recorded in John 18. What did lie expect in reply? Was he, like the Greeks, searching for knowledge or was his question just a cynical response to Jesus' claim? Hebrew thinking was practical rather than speculative, synthetic or academic and could be summarised in the words 'Do and you will know'. That expression has a modern ring in educational circles. A useful working definition of 'truth' might be Paul's prayer in Colossians 1.9 (NRSV) when he wrote "that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding".

Truth would appear to be linked to knowledge and reality. It is not false but is an accurate representation of what is seen. It is sincere, not a fake, it is honest not a deception, it is valid and sound, it is genuine and linked to integrity. In the Grimm-Thayer lexicon, the Greek word 'aletheia' is said to be 'reality', a word used in Phillips' translation of John 4.23,24. So what does 'truth' do? The Psalmist suggests that it protects and guides (Psalm 40.11; 43.3) and so we are exhorted to walk in the truth (Psa. 86.11) or perhaps live in the light of reality. Does it matter what we believe? In answer to this commonly asked question, the answer must be 'yes' because what we believe affects our behaviour. Contrariwise, demonstrably bad behaviour does not spring from 'truth' but comes from the 'father of lies', the Devil. More positively, John tells us that we belong to the 'truth' if we express Christ's love (1 John 3.18,19). No matter what our opinions about knowledge of the Scriptures, unless we seek to live like Jesus in thought, word and action, we are not of the 'truth'.

Interpretation of principles and facts is a fascinating study in the Old Testament. Abraham's relationship to Sarah is an example. Isaac followed in Dad's footsteps concerning his wife. The relationship between Jacob and Laban seems rather confusing in the light of modern Christian ethics but are we always so transparently genuine? Nothing is hid from God as David found out and God's ethical standards were heard strongly through the voice of the prophets in Samuel and Nathan. In quite different circumstances Nehemiah's use of a military escort, contrasts with Ezra's refusal to have one for their return to Israel.

When Thomas stood among his fellow disciples and asked his question, their minds were focussed on a Kingdom but it Wasn't God's Kingdom. We need to have our eyes focussed on the King "looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12.2). Following Him will take us 'outside the camp' which in Israel was the place of the unclean, the alien, the criminals, those suffering from dreadful diseases and where carcasses and refuse were destroyed.

Jesus, the Son of God, had stood among God's people but they really didn't recognise Him. Human eyes so often wear dark or even dirty glasses. All we see is puzzling reflections. The religious folk around Jesus couldn't see the truth that clothed his miracles and parables nor could they understand His teaching. That which was 'good' in Him they called 'bad', while their own pious acts and prayers which were' bad' they thought were 'good'. This resulted in them condemning the innocent, sinless Lamb of God.

Truth is for all God's people and is not exclusive or restrictive as Joshua discovered when Eldad and Medad, who were not part of the establishment, prophesied to the people of Israel in the desert. Bible knowledge, including history, predictive prophecy and theology is valuable if it leads us to know God better. Just as the Law had set Israel free from sin and fear at Sinai so the Sermon on the Mount set free the followers of Jesus thirteen centuries later. Paul describes something of the battle for freedom in Romans 7 and that battle has continued through 2000 years as each generation has faced the situation of living in the Spirit while in this old human tent.

Jesus said, in His prayer recorded in John 17 "Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth" (NRSV). It is suggested that 'sanctify' means to make pure and holy. Paul wrote to the Ephesians (5.25, 26 NIV) that Christ loved and died for the Church "to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word". Jesus used the word 'cleansing' when He spoke of pruning branches to produce more fruit. Truth cleanses and produces fruit. To do that truth must be allowed to challenge us. Our reading and study of God's Word must not lose the power of truth by being inhibited with preconceived opinions. We need transparent honesty in asking the question, do the Scriptures really say what I have always thought they said? Then we shall with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) learn that God wants our worship to be in spirit and in truth.

DN