In this post-truth era I find Pilate's question to Jesus, so 'today'. While reading the Easter story in John's gospel this week, I was quite shocked at how the politics of Jesus' trial mirrored contemporary life in Western society. Who is telling the truth anymore? Trump or the media? ( or both or neither?)Some scientists say the Great Barrier Reef is dying and will not recover, while others refute the sensationalism of these comments. The gay community says it will be persecuted if there is a national debate on marriage equality, yet they are the ones causing the venues to close, where Christian groups advertise a discussion on the subject.
In the 'Weekend Australia Magazine' 8-9th April 2017, I read "Years ago the comedian, social commentator and television host Stephen Colbert warned us about 'truthiness' - the notion that if I feel something to be true it must be legitimate. Even when evidence proves a supposition wrong, people insist that it is true because they think it is. We see it all around us." That is so like the Pharisees and those who opposed Jesus. All the evidence was there to show that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament scriptures regarding the Messiah as well as the miracles Jesus did, yet still they would not even consider that he could be the Messiah. By this stage they were so bitter and jealous blinded by their own denial or 'truthiness', that they could no longer reason the scriptures in which they were well versed.
Later in the same magazine article, I quote"Now more than ever those who value truth, irrespective of their political opinions, must do the legwork necessary to expose those for whom facts are but a suggestion." I have read a number of times that Christianity is now the most persecuted religion and 'watching' Jesus' trial I can see the utter bitterness in those who tried to charge him with false accusations. Yet in all of this 'kangaroo court', Jesus told the truth and nothing but the truth and that really hurt his accusers, so much so that they 'lost it' bullying him all the way to the cross.
They thought they had won, but of course, we rejoice in Easter Sunday morning with "He is Risen!" Even with physical evidence of Jesus' resurrection, they could not accept this truth and so commenced persecuting the early Church/Christians.
'Truthiness' was alive and well in Jesus' time so it is up to Christians today to live and tell the truth about Jesus. Unfortunately, many are paying a high price at this very time, in many places and countries. However, in all the horror of persecution, we can all say
"He is Risen"
"He is Risen Indeed"
In the 'Weekend Australia Magazine' 8-9th April 2017, I read "Years ago the comedian, social commentator and television host Stephen Colbert warned us about 'truthiness' - the notion that if I feel something to be true it must be legitimate. Even when evidence proves a supposition wrong, people insist that it is true because they think it is. We see it all around us." That is so like the Pharisees and those who opposed Jesus. All the evidence was there to show that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament scriptures regarding the Messiah as well as the miracles Jesus did, yet still they would not even consider that he could be the Messiah. By this stage they were so bitter and jealous blinded by their own denial or 'truthiness', that they could no longer reason the scriptures in which they were well versed.
Later in the same magazine article, I quote"Now more than ever those who value truth, irrespective of their political opinions, must do the legwork necessary to expose those for whom facts are but a suggestion." I have read a number of times that Christianity is now the most persecuted religion and 'watching' Jesus' trial I can see the utter bitterness in those who tried to charge him with false accusations. Yet in all of this 'kangaroo court', Jesus told the truth and nothing but the truth and that really hurt his accusers, so much so that they 'lost it' bullying him all the way to the cross.
They thought they had won, but of course, we rejoice in Easter Sunday morning with "He is Risen!" Even with physical evidence of Jesus' resurrection, they could not accept this truth and so commenced persecuting the early Church/Christians.
'Truthiness' was alive and well in Jesus' time so it is up to Christians today to live and tell the truth about Jesus. Unfortunately, many are paying a high price at this very time, in many places and countries. However, in all the horror of persecution, we can all say
"He is Risen"
"He is Risen Indeed"
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