Authority and Truth

January 24

John has much to say to us about authority and truth in this eighteenth chapter, and how we as humans can handle or mishandle it. Judas has now betrayed Jesus, selling his friendship for a mere thirty pieces of silver—the cost of a common slave. Think about the message in that… everything Judas has seen, and how he has responded to both the revelation of Jesus and a relationship with Him. He has not only sold Truth Himself, but said—in effect—that He is worth nothing more than a slave.

Judas leads a group of soldiers and officials from the chief priests to arrest Jesus. Twice, Jesus asks them who they have come for, and they reply, “Jesus of Nazareth”. Both times, He responds with “I am,” clearly looking back to what is called the Tetragrammaton—the sacred Name God used to identify Himself to Moses. (Exodus 3:13–15) Once more Jesus, while revealing His power to men, simultaneously reveals His authority to His disciples—who He is.

If you question the weightiness of this point, just look at the way the men responded the first time: they stepped back and fell to the ground. (John 18:6) In the Bible, falling to the ground was a common response to an encounter with God and His messengers. (Ezekiel 1:28; 44:4; Daniel 2:46; Acts 9:4; Revelation 1:17) There is unfathomable authority in the Name of our God!

But contrary to popular theology, using God’s Name does not function as an incantation to unlock the storehouses of God’s blessings by simply speaking it. That is definitely not what Jesus means when He promises to answer requests prayed in His name. (John 14:13–14; 16:24) The key point in those verses is giving glory to Jesus, not getting what we want.

Finally, at the end of the chapter, the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, asks Jesus the question of questions, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) This exalted yet deluded Roman official has no more clue or concern about truth than many politicians today. But now, just as then, God is concerned with truth and integrity in the hearts of those holding the seats of authority. After all, He places them in those seats. (Daniel 2:21; Romas 13:1-4)

Pilate tries to wiggle out of his responsibilities as one in authority, kowtowing to the Jewish authorities. The governor could have stood on the truth, “I find no grounds for charging this man,” (John 19:4) and he could have exercised his authority to release Jesus.

Yet that would have violated the authority of the ultimate Authority who had already planned His redemption of mankind through the sacrificial death of His Son. Everyone is subject to authority. (John 19:11)

Application

What is truth?

Well, “There’s your truth, and there’s my truth,” as they say. Right? No. You and I may have our own version of truth, but there is only one objective Truth, one actual Truth—THE TRUTH, and His name is Jesus, and any and all “truth” is judged by Him.

Isn’t it ironic that Pilate asked this question as he looked into the face of Truth Himself? (John 14:6) Where are you looking into the face of truth today and perhaps missing or refusing to see what God has placed right in front of you?

© Copyright 2026 Craig Beaman