What Is Truth?
In a world of misinformation, disinformation, and the rise of AI that can create believable but completely false “sources” in seconds, it’s becoming harder to know what’s real. Photos can be altered. Videos can be faked. Articles can sound intelligent and still be completely wrong. The line between truth and illusion blurs more every day.
But the struggle to know truth isn’t new. Two thousand years ago, a Roman governor named Pontius Pilate stood face to face with Jesus and asked, “What is truth?” Perhaps his question wasn’t cynical, perhaps it was simply weary. Like many of us, perhaps Pilate had begun to feel truth was negotiable, as he saw it shift with power and public opinion. But like many of us, Pilate missed the forest for the trees, because while he was asking deep questions about truth, Truth stood before him.
John 18:33-38
When Jesus was brought before Pilate, the Jewish leaders accused Him of claiming to be a king. Pilate, representing the might of Rome, asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered that His kingdom was not of this world—it wasn’t built by armies or politics but by truth. “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me,” He said. Pilate replied, “What is truth?” and walked away.
In that moment, Truth himself stood before him and Pilate didn’t recognize it. Pilate gave his apathetic question “What is truth?” and then walked away from the one person best equipped to answer. How often have we asked God questions and not sat in his presence for answers? How often have we let the confusing narratives that surround us drown out the voice of Truth calling to us? Let’s commit to being people of truth, not only asking “what is truth?” but also doing the diligent work of finding it, not falling into the trap of apathy but instead turning to Truth himself to guide us.
Things to Ponder
When have you heard something that sounded true—but later found out it wasn’t? How did that make you feel?
Why do you think it’s easier to give up on finding truth than to keep searching for it?
How can knowing Jesus help us see what’s real when the world feels confusing or dishonest?
What does it look like to be a “person of truth” in your school, workplace, or home?
How can we practice truthfulness this week—not just in words, but in attitudes and actions?
Application Challenge
It’s tempting to let truth become blurry, to shrug and say, “Who really knows?” But followers of Jesus are called to be people who seek truth and live by it. That doesn’t mean we’ll always have every answer. It means we trust the One who does.
What would it look like this week to slow down before repeating something we hear, sharing something online, or forming an opinion? Could God be inviting us to listen more carefully and to test things by His Word before we assume they’re true? Even small acts, like admitting when we don’t know something or choosing honesty when it costs us, are powerful ways to reflect Christ in a world that’s losing its grip on truth.
Prayer Prompt
Lord Jesus, You are the Truth that never changes. When the world feels confusing, help us listen for Your voice. Teach us to love honesty, seek understanding, and walk with integrity.
Guard our hearts from believing lies and help us help other see truth with grace. Let Your truth shape how we speak, think, and live this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
