On Truth and Power

*Random thoughts arising from this morning's message in church, Crucified Truth (John 18:28-19:16)*

On Truth

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.

Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him."

- John 18:37-38 (NIV)

According to Jesus, truth is absolute. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Him.

According to Pilate, truth is relative. Ironically, in his capacity as a judge Pilate then goes on to make the truth claim that he finds no basis for a charge against Jesus.

(Is the claim that 'truth is relative' absolute or relative? If the claim that 'truth is relative' is absolute, then it is not relative. If the claim that 'truth is relative' is relative, then we cannot say with absolute certainty that 'truth is relative'. Therefore, truth is not relative.)

On Power

"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realise I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"

Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."

- John 19:10-12 (NIV)

According to Jesus, power is given to us from above (ie. by God). In Romans 13:1, Paul instructs us that everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.

According to Pilate, in his capacity as a judge he has the power to either free or crucify Jesus. Again, this is ironic on a number of counts.

Firstly, Pilate's power - all the more so in his capacity as a judge - is (or at least ought to be) grounded in truth, which Pilate holds is relative. To this end, Pilate's power is relative.

Secondly, Pilate's power is given to him from above.

"Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen." - Acts 4:27-28 (NIV)

Finally, Pilate's power is taken away from him from below.

"From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting... finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified." - John 19:12a, 16 (NIV)

Excursus: Why the 'therefore' in John 19:11?

The first part of John 19:11 refers to God - the One who gave Pilate his power, while the second part of John 19:11 refers to Caiaphas (the high priest that year) and the people - the one(s) who handed Jesus over to Pilate.

In my humble opinion, the 'therefore' in John 19:11 hints that God revealed who Jesus was to Caiaphas and the people - indeed, this is one of the main themes in John's gospel - but that they rejected Him and handed Him over to Pilate to be crucified.

In logical form,

1. God gave Pilate the power to either free or crucify Jesus. (Stated Premise)

2. God revealed who Jesus was to Caiaphas and the people, giving them the power of choice to either accept or reject Jesus. (Underlying Premise)

3. Therefore, Pilate was responsible for his choice to crucify Jesus, while Caiaphas and the people were responsible - indeed, guilty of a greater sin than Pilate - for their choice to reject Jesus and hand Him over to Pilate to be crucified. (Conclusion)

*****

How are we responding to the revelation we have received?