Welcome to Hank’s Place
I’ve been sharing chapter titles from “A Violent Grace” by Michael Card. Our chapter title today is “He was condemned so the Truth could set me free.”
The King James version has Jesus saying, “Verily verily.” Modern translations Jesus says “I tell you the truth.” And He says “I tell you the truth” — 80 times.
Jesus came from the Father FULL of grace and truth. Jn 1:14. He tells Nicodemus the truth. Jn 3:3, 5, 11. He tells the people in the temple the truth. His new converts. The angry mob determined to kill him. His anxious disciples. To Pilate during His trial.
Jesus is only one source of true freedom. The Way, the Truth, the Life. Jn 14:6.
Speaking the truth can cause a lot of trouble when it collides with beliefs or behaviors that are wrong, but held by those in power. Jesus’ teachings, which were truth, turned the world upside down for a lot of people, even good people. Truth can upset comfort zones. Jesus frequently presented Himself as the truth. When Thomas asks how can we know the Way, Jesus says “I am the way.” Philip asks, show us the Father and Jesus says “if you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father.” Jesus declared HE is the truth.
Much like today’s political witch hunts, getting at the truth was not what the people were interested in at Jesus’ trial. Jesus urged us to embrace the truth saying in Jn 8:31-32, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Yet Jesus was condemned for telling the truth. It cost Him His life.
Seems like Truth took a big hit at Calvary. Lost out. Even the apostles felt that way.
But wait! Jesus declared: I am the Resurrection and the Life! Truth always wins in the end . The apostle John writes Jesus’ return in Revelation 19:11, “ And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.”
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, has another name, “Faithful and TRUE.” TRUTH does WIN in the end my friend, so keep the faith — and COME ALIVE!
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