“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” John 18:37 NIV
One of the characteristics of our culture is that more than ever in my lifetime there is widespread skepticism about the ability to trust that our leaders in every area, our news sources, and even our own friends and acquaintances are telling the truth. Fact-check it: Mistrust is at historical lows. Gallup polls tell us that Americans' trust in newspapers, television, and radio to report the news fully, accurately, and fairly is at a new low of 28%. A December 2025 Pew Research Center analysis found that only 17% of Americans trust the government in Washington to do what is right "just about always" or "most of the time.” This is among the lowest measures in the nearly seven decades the question has been asked. Though AI has some redeeming and helpful features, just this morning I asked several AI sources, “Has AI affected confidence and trust in communications?” This is the direct quote of Google AI: “Yes, AI significantly affects confidence in personal communications, often decreasing trust and authenticity when detected, especially in sensitive messages, as people value human-crafted empathy over polished AI responses.” Add to all that, the fact that public issues where we have been misled rarely have consequences for untruthful people, misrepresentation and lying easily become the order of the day, even in personal relationships.
Though there are many difficulties today, except for the technological element, the situation is not much different than during Jesus’ days on Earth. Promises seemed to be made to be broken, and everyone appeared to protect their own interests and survival. Truth was hard to come by. People would say anything that served themselves. Along came King Jesus, who spoke truth to power and to everyone who heard Him. He fully represented Himself, His Father, and every aspect of life with complete truth. Pilate had the life and death of Jesus in his hands (he thought!) and he was a powerful ruler. Everyone feared him. Everyone but Jesus. Jesus faced him with courage and complete clarity. He reminded Pilate that Pilate had said Jesus was a king, then Jesus challenged him by declaring that bringing complete truth was the reason and purpose that He came into the world. As He was on trial for His life, Jesus stood in front of this most powerful man and asserted, “Everyone who is on the side of truth listens to me.” In other words (NLT), He said, “Anyone who recognizes truth believes me.”
What a privilege, in compete confidence, to take to the bank everything King Jesus says and does! We are on the side of truth, and one day everyone will know it. My mother always said, “Time and truth do not always walk hand-in-hand, but they always end up at the same place.” Thank You, King Jesus. Our trust in Your truth is securely placed.
- King Jesus, I place my forever trust in Your truth. Let it set me free to follow.