Pearl of Great Price
“What is truth?” (John 18:38)
The Roman governor, Pilate, asked the question but didn’t stick around to hear the answer. One thing is for certain, and that is that Pilate knew the truth that Jesus was innocent and that the religious leaders conspired together to have him crucified.
So, why did this powerful Roman governor bend to the pressure placed upon him? Even his wife warned him, saying, “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” (Matthew 27:19)
The simple fact is that truth, more often than not, is sacrificed on the altar of expediency.
It was in Pilate’s (and Rome’s) best interest to allow an innocent man to die a brutal and ignoble death. Years before, Pilate had learned the hard way that these fanatics in Israel were willing to die for their religion. After setting up images (known as standards) of Caesar throughout Jerusalem, Pilate witnessed Jews who were willing to die before allowing any graven images to be displayed in their holy city.
Falling on the ground before him, these Jews, surrounded by Roman soldiers with swords drawn, stretched out their necks, saying they would rather die than submit to any graven images in Jerusalem. Pilate ordered his soldiers to sheath their swords and withdraw.
There is nothing expedient about following Jesus. We must be willing to forsake all, losing our very lives (hopes, dreams, families, careers) to be his disciples. God’s kingdom in Christ Jesus is the pearl of great price, the treasure buried in the field for which we sacrifice everything.
And as we sacrifice these things, we experience the truth or reality (The Greek word for “truth” and “reality” are the same), of the presence of Jesus and his kingdom at work in our lives. God-awareness, self-awareness, character, confidence, and an unconquerable spirit come to those who, in the words of Scripture, “stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around their waist.”
Don’t sacrifice your character on the altar of expediency. Cling to the truth. You’ll be glad you did.
In Christ,
Dan
P.S. It’s good to be back after a short break. I’ve begun serving Embrace Church in High Point, North Carolina. Sherri is on her way back to Pensacola to finish packing. We ask for your prayers as we seek to sell our house and resettle in this new place of ministry.
Check out my podcasts from Church on the Edge and my books on Kindle.