Sunday, November 24, 2024  

---

Today's Scripture
John 18:33–37

Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” (NRSV)

---

Reflection

Jesus stands before Pilate in perhaps the clearest demonstration that Jesus is in this world but not of this world. Jesus comes into the world to testify to the truth. Truth perplexes Pilate. Discerning truth is faithful work.

Some speak of truth as factual integrity. Water freezes at 32 degrees, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, and Chicago has a population of 2,638,159 people, at the moment anyway.

But the truth that Jesus speaks about is larger than just the recitation of facts. We should not skip over the importance of facts, as they are so often ignored in public life. Such deceptive practices erode communal life.

Nevertheless, the truth that Jesus speaks of is love. It is the persistent choice and effort to live for the good of one another. Pilate ponders, what is truth? Jesus shows him and shows us all by taking up his own cross. And honest life seeks to do the same.

Seldom do we take up our cross all at one time. It comes in smaller, daily gestures, like telling the truth, expressing kindness, practicing generosity, or really paying attention to the person in front of you, for just a few examples. Truth is what holds communities together, and living a life of truth is a holy practice. 

---

Prayer
God of mercy, let my ways be shaped by a desire to live for the good. In the name of Christ, the truth. Amen. 

---

Written by Tom Are Jr., Interim Pastor

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email