Thoughts on the Gospel of John (187) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Jesus says, everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. Pilate said to Him, what is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I find no fault in Him at all. But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews? Then they all cried again, saying, not this Man, but Barabbas! Now Barabbas was a robber.
John 18:37–40

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (187)
Many people do not understand the words of Jesus, but the problem does not lie in the person of Jesus, but in each individual personally. True disciples of Jesus understand Him. They are “of the truth”, that is, their thoughts and actions are determined by the truth, as the Bible teaches.

Pilate cannot do much with the term “truth”, certainly not in connection with the kingdom of a ruler. Power, above all, is connected with kingship – and not truth.

“What is truth?” This world-famous question has been posed again and again in the history of mankind. Some want to escape the claim of absolute truth by relativising it. Others take refuge in endless discussions about how truth must be defined.

The Son of God answered the question of truth long ago, “Your word is truth” (ch. 17:17). Whoever abides in this Word is a disciple of Jesus and will know the truth, and the truth will make him free (ch. 8:31–32).

Pilate did not recognise the truth and was therefore not free – not free to decide what was just and right. The further course of the trial shows that he bows to the threats of the crowd.

Jesus or Barabbas, the righteous One or an evildoer, the author of life or a murderer? At that time, Barabbas was chosen ...

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Genesis 21:1-21 · Psalms 3:1-8