What is truth?
Day 405, Saturday, Sept. 20
John 18:28 – Chapter 19
Today we read of the final trial and crucifixion of Jesus—the events we normally remember each year when we observe Good Friday during Holy Week.
The “trial,” though, is very different from the kind of court proceeding we would expect today. It was unusual for its own day as well.
First, it seemed to be less about determining if the law was broken than it was verbal sparring between Jesus and the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
When Jesus said, “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,” Pilate retorts, “What is truth.” That sounds more like a philosophical debate than it does a criminal trial.
Second, the trial is unusual in that the judge—Pilate—seems convinced of Jesus’s innocence but sentences him to death anyway, apparently to appease the crowd and not risk a riot.
We also read the graphic description of the death of Jesus on the cross. His last words were, “It is finished.”
But it really wasn’t.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Saturday meditation

Job 36:13-21
“The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help. They die in their youth, among male prostitutes of the shrines. But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.
“He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have taken hold of you. Be careful that no one entices you by riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside. Would your wealth or even all your mighty efforts sustain you so you would not be in distress? Do not long for the night, to drag people away from their homes. Beware of turning to evil, which you seem to prefer to affliction.

Prayer focus
God, thank you for the priceless gift of your son’s sacrifice on the cross. He, indeed, is truth.