Jesus Bore Witness to the Truth

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John 18:36–38a

In Jesus’ solemn dialogue with Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor asked Him, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded: “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice” (John 18:37). This moment, occurring shortly before Jesus’ crucifixion, underscores one of the most foundational aspects of His mission: bearing witness to the truth concerning God, His Kingdom, and His redemptive plan for mankind.

Jesus Bore Witness to the Truth Regarding God’s Purposes

Jesus’ entire life and ministry centered on declaring and embodying the truth of God’s Word. In John 14:6, He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” His testimony was not merely about truth in abstract terms but specifically about the divine truth of God’s purpose, righteousness, and kingdom rule. This truth stood in direct contrast to the political, religious, and philosophical distortions of the age.

In Word: Proclaiming the Kingdom of God

Jesus’ preaching ministry was relentless in its focus on the Kingdom of God. From the very outset of His public ministry, He declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). His parables consistently illustrated aspects of that Kingdom—its value (Matthew 13:44–46), its growth (Matthew 13:31–33), and its final judgment (Matthew 13:47–50). As God’s anointed Messiah (Heb. māšîaḥ; Gr. Christos), Jesus’ role was to declare the arrival of God’s rule, not through earthly politics, but through a spiritual reign that calls for repentance and obedience.

In John 18:36, Jesus clarifies that “My kingdom is not of this world.” He disavowed political or military ambitions. His was not a kingdom born of human power structures but one grounded in truth and spiritual authority. This underscores the fact that the truth Jesus bore witness to was theological and moral in nature, not political or nationalistic. God’s Kingdom would be a heavenly rule, with Jesus as King enthroned at the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33–36), soon to return in power and glory (Matthew 25:31–34).

In Deed: Fulfilling Prophecy and Living the Truth

Jesus’ life was the living embodiment of truth. His deeds—healing the sick (Isaiah 53:4), opening the eyes of the blind (Isaiah 35:5), and raising the dead (John 11:43–44)—validated the prophetic Word of God. Every action testified that He was the fulfillment of messianic prophecy (Luke 4:21). His perfect obedience, even unto death, revealed not only the righteousness of God but also the truth of divine love and justice.

Romans 15:8 confirms this role: “For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs.” Thus, His death and resurrection were not random events but the climactic confirmation that God’s promises were true and dependable (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 53; Psalm 22).

Jesus’ submission to suffering and rejection, even when falsely accused, is a further witness to truth. He bore witness by refusing to compromise, even in the face of injustice and death. As 1 Peter 2:23 says, “When He was reviled, He did not revile in return… but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.”

Disciples of Jesus Must Bear Witness to the Truth

As followers of Christ, believers are also called to bear witness to the truth—both in word and in deed. Jesus affirmed in John 17:17 that God’s Word is truth: “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” This is the basis of Christian testimony—God’s revealed truth in Scripture.

In Word: Zealous Proclamation of the Good News

Like Christ, Christians are to proclaim the truth about God’s Kingdom. Jesus commissioned His followers to go “and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). This includes preaching the good news of the Kingdom (Matthew 24:14) and warning others of impending judgment (Acts 17:30–31).

This bold proclamation must be done even in the face of opposition and ridicule, just as Jesus endured (2 Timothy 3:12). The apostle Paul told Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season… endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:2, 5). Proclaiming truth in an age of relativism and deception is a vital aspect of Christian witness.

In Deed: Living in Godliness and Spiritual Neutrality

Christians also bear witness through their conduct. As Titus 2:10 instructs, believers must “show all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” This includes neutrality in worldly political conflicts, for Christ’s Kingdom is not of this world. To engage in partisan strife would be to misrepresent the nature of Christ’s reign and undermine the believer’s true citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20).

Godly conduct—marked by love, justice, humility, and self-control—proves the power of God’s truth at work in the believer’s life. It is this integrity that gives weight to the Christian’s verbal testimony. As Jesus taught, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

The World’s Response: Cynicism and Rejection

When Pilate responded to Jesus with the question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38a), he echoed the cynicism of the world. Pilate represents all who, in their spiritual blindness, question or reject objective truth. Romans 1:18–25 speaks of how unbelievers suppress the truth in unrighteousness, choosing lies over the clear revelation of God.

The task of the believer, then, is to bear witness despite the world’s disdain, knowing that the Word of God will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). Christians are to uphold the truth with conviction and compassion, never shrinking back but speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Conclusion

Jesus’ mission was to bear witness to the truth, and this remains the mission of His followers. His Word is truth, His Kingdom is real, and His life is the standard. Believers today must continue His testimony by proclaiming the truth of the gospel and living lives that reflect God’s holiness. Though the world may mock or reject it, the truth remains immutable and will ultimately be vindicated when Christ returns in glory.

To bear witness as Jesus did is not optional—it is the very identity and responsibility of every true disciple.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).