Here in America we’ve always prided ourselves on being a country where truth matters. As a country that’s governed by a set of laws…truth matters. When there’s a disagreement among the people of our country…truth matters. We believe in the truth so much so—that a witness testifying in court has to take an oath stating their testimony “is the truth and nothing but the truth—so help them God.”

But what happens when truth itself is really what’s on trial? In an effort to get right to the point…let me suggest that man starts creating truth that fits his desires. Truth that is flexible and fluid. Truth that’s inclusive enough to satisfy our every desire.

Perhaps there is an example of this in Genesis. God said every tree in Eden is available to eat from…except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (2:17). That’s the truth of God. But the serpent asked Eve, “Did God really say that?” His purpose was to get Eve to challenge the truth of God with her own desire. Listen to what Genesis 3:6 says, “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for wisdom…she took some and ate it.” She created her own truth.

When we put God’s truth on trial, challenge its validity, and then act against it…there will be consequences. You and I are presently living in a world that has been affected by Eve’s actions. Fast forward a few thousand years and we still find the truth of God on trial here in John 18. What’s so amazing is who’s willing to be involved. Pilate—a pagan, should be no surprise to us…but the priesthood, we have to ask ourselves…what’s up with that?

Let’s look at verses 28-40 here in John 18 to see what happens when man puts truth on trial?

1. Real motives are revealed. [18:29-32]

Pilate, who historians say was no friend of the Jews, probably feels like he’s being used as a rubberstamp for something the Jews want to do to Jesus…says not so fast. What charges are you bringing against this man? What’s He done? Just saying He’s a criminal is not enough.

John reveals their real motive in verse 31 when he tells us of the response the Jews gave to Pilate…we have no right to execute anyone. They want Jesus dead. (5:18, 7:1, 11:53) If all the Jews wanted was Jesus dead—why involve the Romans? In Acts 7 they wanted Stephen dead and they stoned him without Roman permission. They want Jesus more than dead.

The Jews not only want Jesus dead…they want Him cursed as well. Perhaps—they figure if we can get the Romans to execute Him (crucifixion) then the people will think He is a false prophet and forget all about Him (Deut. 21:23).

Let me ask us all a question this morning. Have any of us ever been guilty of something like this? Asking a person in authority to do something that will affect someone else because we don’t like them. If they were just out of the way...everything would be better. I’ve seen it happen…how about you? John reveals the real motive of the Jews for us here in these verses…and it’s all about power, control, and personal prominence.

Did you notice the irony here in these verses also? The ones who are concerned about being ceremonially clean in order to eat at God’s table…are the same ones seeking to kill His Son. And, their efforts bring about the prophetic plan of God (v32).

2. What’s right is rejected. [18:33-38]

John tells us in these next verses that Pilate talks with Jesus about who He really is. “Are you the King of the Jews” (v33)? It’s at this point Pilate must have been in quite a quandary about who this man really is. The Jews are doing all they could to get Jesus killed. And Pilate’s wife had sent him a message that said, ‘have nothing to do with this man,’ according to Matthew 27:19.

Pilate seems to have been put on the spot when Jesus asks him in verse 34 if he thinks Jesus is a king. His response, “Am I a Jew” appears to be a complete rejection of the idea…but, notice as the conversation continues—Pilate gives Jesus the opportunity to talk about His kingdom and about the truth of God. This is a great opportunity for Pilate to discover the truth. Hear the gospel.

Unfortunately—like so many people, Pilate gets to hear the truth of God and then he rejects what’s right and walks away. I was like Pilate for a long time myself. I came to a superficial understanding of God’s truth and when I felt the need to act on it…I would compare His truth to my truth and walk away. Jesus didn’t win in the courtroom of my heart because my real motives were opposed to His motives for my life. I would always reject what was right.

Have you ever been there? You hear the truth of God and then you put it up against your own truth? Before you do walk away from the truth of God again like Pilate did here in verse 38…ask God’s Spirit to help you have a better understanding of the truth and you will be amazed at what you discover.

3. Rebellion is chosen over righteousness. [18:39-40]

Pilate’s not sure who Jesus is…but he is sure that Jesus is not guilty of a capitol offense. Therefore, he looks for a way to set Him free. Pilate says it’s customary for him to release a prisoner at Passover—do you want your King? To which the crowd shouts…No—not Him.

Origen—one of the early church fathers commented on the irony here in the meaning of the name of the person the crowd wanted set free instead of Jesus. Barabbas means son of a man. To choose him over Jesus—the Son of Man…is hard to imagine. A man guilty of rebellion is chosen over a man of righteousness. Incomprehensible—isn’t it? But the truth is…it’s still happening today. People all over the world presented with the gospel of Jesus Christ walk away saying in their heart…no, not Him. And they continue to live in rebellion instead of righteousness.

Truth is still on trial today. And those setting in the seat of judgment have revealed their real motives, rejected what is right, and chosen rebellion over righteousness. They do this by creating for themselves a truth that agrees with their every desire. In their personal Garden of Gethsemane they come to the same conclusion every time…my will be done, not yours Jesus.

Let me ask you were you are sitting this morning concerning the truth of God: at His feet or in His seat?