Sermons on John 18:37-38

John 18:37-38 Interpretation:

Embracing Questions: Seeking Truth in Faith (LLMC Online) offers a unique interpretation of John 18:37-38 by focusing on the irony in Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” The sermon argues that Pilate’s question is not a genuine inquiry but a rhetorical, even sarcastic, dismissal of the very concept of absolute truth. The preacher draws a parallel between Pilate’s attitude and modern postmodern relativism, suggesting that Pilate’s skepticism about truth is an ancient form of what we now call relativism. The sermon uses the literary device of irony to highlight the difference between honest questioning (as modeled by Abraham in Genesis 18) and cynical, dismissive questioning (as modeled by Pilate). This contrast is used to teach that the spirit in which we ask questions of God matters deeply—honest, relational questioning is welcomed, while detached, ironic questioning leads to spiritual dead ends.

Embracing Truth: The Harmony of Love and Faith (Ligonier Ministries) interprets John 18:37-38 by emphasizing that Jesus’ purpose in coming into the world was to bear witness to the truth, and that the world’s resistance to this truth is rooted in arrogance, fear, or annoyance. The sermon uniquely highlights that Jesus’ statement, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice,” points to the mystery of election: only those whom God has prepared can truly hear and receive the truth. The preacher also notes that Pilate’s response is not a sincere philosophical inquiry but an expression of annoyance and political expediency, dismissing truth as irrelevant in the face of political concerns. This interpretation is distinguished by its focus on the interplay between truth, love, and the sovereignty of God in opening hearts to receive truth.

Embracing Truth: The Transformative Power of God's Word (Covenant Community of Ellijay) interprets John 18:37-38 as a clash between Jesus’ declaration of objective, knowable truth and Pilate’s (and by extension, the world’s) relativistic skepticism. The sermon uses the analogy of “turning off the light” to describe humanity’s tendency to avoid truth in favor of darkness, connecting Pilate’s question to the broader cultural phenomenon of suppressing or denying absolute standards. The preacher draws a sharp line between those who submit to the truth and those who oppose it, arguing that the refusal to acknowledge truth leads to confusion, lack of intimacy, and moral chaos. The sermon also references the Greek word for “breathed” (pneuma) in discussing the inspiration of Scripture, linking the Spirit’s role in revealing truth to Jesus’ mission of testifying to the truth.

Discerning Truth Amidst Deception: A Call to Courage (Harvest Alexandria) references John 18:37-38 to illustrate the world’s scornful or dismissive attitude toward truth, as exemplified by Pilate’s question. The sermon interprets Pilate’s response as a scornful, rhetorical question that reveals a lack of genuine interest in truth, and uses this as a springboard to discuss the importance of discerning God’s voice amid a cacophony of false voices. The preacher draws a parallel between Pilate’s attitude and the tendency of people today to seek affirmation rather than correction, and to prefer comfort over conviction. The sermon’s unique contribution is its analogy between spiritual “whistleblowers” (like the prophet Micaiah) and those who stand for truth at personal cost, suggesting that faithfulness to truth often leads to suffering or rejection.

Jesus: The Way, Truth, and Life (David Guzik) interprets John 18:37-38 by emphasizing that Jesus’ claim to testify to the truth is both a philosophical and a personal declaration. Guzik draws a sharp distinction between subjective truth (personal preferences) and “true truth” (objective, reality-based truth), referencing Francis Schaeffer’s terminology. He highlights that Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” is tragically ironic because Truth incarnate—Jesus—was standing before him. Guzik also notes that Jesus’ statement, “Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice,” is a radical claim to exclusive authority and a call to personal allegiance, not just intellectual assent. He uses the analogy of subjective truth being “weaponized” in modern culture to erase objective truth, paralleling Pilate’s skepticism with contemporary relativism. Guzik further connects Jesus’ words to his earlier statement in John 14:6, interpreting Jesus as the embodiment of truth, not merely a teacher of it.

Embodying Truth: The Nature of God's Faithfulness (Ligonier Ministries) offers a unique perspective by focusing on the linguistic and philosophical dimensions of “truth” in John 18:37-38. The sermon explores the Greek word “aletheia” and the Hebrew “amute,” explaining that biblical truth is objective, corresponding to reality as perceived by God, not merely by human perception. The preacher draws a vivid analogy: if anyone else claimed to be the truth and demanded allegiance as Jesus did, they would be dismissed as a lunatic. The sermon also highlights the irony of Pilate’s question, noting that the Truth was standing before him, yet he missed it. The preacher extends the interpretation to the personal and relational aspects of truth, arguing that truth is not just an abstract concept but is embodied in the person of Jesus and reflected in trustworthy relationships among believers.

Reviving Europe: Proclaiming Christ Alone in Darkness (Ligonier Ministries) interprets John 18:37-38 as a prophetic diagnosis of modern European (and increasingly Western) culture. The sermon draws a direct analogy between Pilate’s skeptical, dismissive question and the prevailing post-Christian, relativistic attitude in Europe, where truth is seen as outdated and irrelevant. The preacher argues that, just as Pilate turned away from Truth incarnate, so too does contemporary culture turn away from the exclusive claims of Christ. The sermon uniquely frames the passage as a mirror for the spiritual condition of Europe, using Pilate’s response as a metaphor for cultural apostasy and the need to proclaim not just “Christ,” but “Christ alone” as the exclusive and sufficient Truth.

Reviving Europe: The Call for Robust Theology (Ligonier Ministries) also interprets John 18:37-38 as emblematic of Europe’s current spiritual malaise. The preacher sees Pilate’s question as a cynical, not genuine, inquiry—mirroring the sophisticated skepticism of modern Europeans. The analogy is extended: just as Pilate walked away from the answer, so does Europe, treating truth as a relic to be sneered at. The sermon uses this passage to highlight the need for robust theology and doctrinal clarity as the antidote to cultural and spiritual confusion.

John 18:37-38 Theological Themes:

Embracing Questions: Seeking Truth in Faith (LLMC Online) introduces the theme that the way we ask questions of God reveals our spiritual posture: honest, relational questioning is a mark of faith and is welcomed by God, while ironic or cynical questioning (as with Pilate) is a form of spiritual resistance. The sermon also explores the idea that our propensity to question is part of being made in the image of God, but that this can be distorted into sinful skepticism or manipulation.

Embracing Truth: The Harmony of Love and Faith (Ligonier Ministries) presents the theme that truth and love are inseparable in the Christian life, and that Jesus’ mission was to reveal the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. The sermon adds a distinct facet by connecting the ability to hear and receive truth to the doctrine of election, emphasizing that it is only by God’s sovereign grace that anyone can truly be “of the truth” and listen to Jesus’ voice. The preacher also highlights the humility that comes from recognizing that truth is a gift, not an achievement.

Embracing Truth: The Transformative Power of God's Word (Covenant Community of Ellijay) develops the theme that objective, knowable truth is foundational for spiritual growth, intimacy, and moral clarity. The sermon uniquely applies this by arguing that the suppression of truth leads to relational and societal breakdown, and that only by submitting to God’s revealed truth can individuals and communities flourish. The preacher also emphasizes the transformative, sanctifying power of truth, and the necessity of regular, disciplined engagement with Scripture as the means by which believers are “sanctified by the truth.”

Discerning Truth Amidst Deception: A Call to Courage (Harvest Alexandria) introduces the theme that standing for truth in a culture that prefers deception and affirmation over correction is inherently costly. The sermon draws a parallel between biblical prophets who suffered for telling the truth and modern Christians who may face rejection or persecution for refusing to compromise. The preacher also explores the idea that faithfulness to truth requires courage, discernment, and a willingness to be misunderstood or maligned.

Jesus: The Way, Truth, and Life (David Guzik) introduces the theme of “true truth” versus subjective truth, applying it to contemporary issues of morality, identity, and authority. Guzik’s nuanced angle is that Jesus’ claim to truth is not just about propositional accuracy but about the person of Christ as the living embodiment of truth, making allegiance to him a matter of existential commitment rather than mere intellectual agreement. He also ties the authority of Scripture directly to Jesus’ identity as Truth, arguing that to affirm Jesus as Truth is to affirm the trustworthiness of the entire Bible.

Embodying Truth: The Nature of God's Faithfulness (Ligonier Ministries) presents the theological theme that truth is both objective (corresponding to reality as God perceives it) and personal (embodied in the character of God and Jesus). The sermon adds the fresh angle that Christian faithfulness is measured not only by doctrinal accuracy but by personal trustworthiness and integrity, reflecting God’s own faithfulness. The preacher also explores the covenantal aspect of truth, connecting it to the biblical emphasis on keeping promises and the sacredness of oaths, thus linking the character of God to the ethical life of believers.

Reviving Europe: Proclaiming Christ Alone in Darkness (Ligonier Ministries) develops the theme of the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ as Truth. The sermon’s distinct contribution is its application of John 18:37-38 to the challenge of post-Christian relativism, arguing that the church must not only proclaim Christ but demonstrate the coherence, goodness, and beauty of his exclusive truth in a skeptical age. The preacher insists that only Christ alone can address the existential plight of being “unloved, unprotected, and hopeless” in a paganized culture.

Reviving Europe: The Call for Robust Theology (Ligonier Ministries) adds the theme that the loss of belief in objective, authoritative truth leads to societal and moral chaos. The sermon’s unique angle is its call for robust theology and doctrinal preaching as the means to restore coherence and hope, drawing a line from Pilate’s skepticism to contemporary confusion about identity, morality, and meaning.

John 18:37-38 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Embracing Questions: Seeking Truth in Faith (LLMC Online) provides the historical insight that Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” reflects the relativistic attitudes present in the Roman world, where multiple “truths” (Roman, Jewish, etc.) coexisted, and skepticism about absolute truth was common. The sermon also notes that John’s Gospel is the only one to record the detailed exchange between Jesus and Pilate, highlighting the unique literary and theological emphasis of John’s account.

Embracing Truth: The Harmony of Love and Faith (Ligonier Ministries) offers contextual insight into the political situation of Pilate, noting that his primary concern was political stability and his annoyance at being confronted with philosophical or theological questions in the midst of political crisis. The preacher situates Pilate’s response within the broader context of Roman governance and the tensions between Roman authority and Jewish religious leaders.

Discerning Truth Amidst Deception: A Call to Courage (Harvest Alexandria) provides historical context by referencing the role of prophets in ancient Israel, specifically the story of Micaiah in 1 Kings 22, to illustrate the cost of standing for truth against the prevailing voices of the majority. The sermon also references the meaning of Hebrew names and the significance of being “filled” with God’s Spirit as a mark of true prophetic authority.

Jesus: The Way, Truth, and Life (David Guzik) provides historical context by describing Pilate as the most powerful man Jesus ever spoke to, appointed by the Roman Senate to govern Judea, and notorious for his cruelty and insensitivity. Guzik details the sequence of Jesus’ sufferings leading up to his trial before Pilate, emphasizing the political and judicial dynamics at play. He also notes the cultural significance of Jesus’ claim to kingship in a Roman context, where such a claim was tantamount to treason.

Pilate's Dilemma: Choices Between Truth and Public Opinion (David Guzik) offers extensive historical background on Pilate’s character, referencing secular sources that describe him as ruthless and indifferent to Jewish concerns. The sermon explains the legal procedures of Roman trials, the political motivations of the Sanhedrin, and the custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover. It also discusses the role of Pilate’s wife’s dream as a form of divine warning, situating it within the broader context of Roman superstition and judicial practice.

Embodying Truth: The Nature of God's Faithfulness (Ligonier Ministries) provides linguistic and cultural context by analyzing the Greek and Hebrew terms for “truth” and explaining their significance in both Old and New Testament thought. The sermon also discusses the Jewish practice of oath-taking and its theological implications, highlighting the seriousness with which truth and promise-keeping were regarded in ancient Israel.

Reviving Europe: Proclaiming Christ Alone in Darkness (Ligonier Ministries) and "Reviving Europe: The Call for Robust Theology" (Ligonier Ministries) both situate John 18:37-38 within the broader sweep of European history, drawing parallels between the paganism of Pilate’s Rome and the post-Christian secularism of modern Europe. They describe the decline of Christendom, the rise of skepticism, and the cultural consequences of abandoning objective truth, using historical data on church attendance and public attitudes toward faith.

John 18:37-38 Cross-References in the Bible:

Embracing Questions: Seeking Truth in Faith (LLMC Online) cross-references Genesis 18 (Abraham’s questioning of God about Sodom), Genesis 3 (the serpent’s question to Eve), Psalm 8 (“What is man that you are mindful of him?”), Job (God’s rhetorical questions to Job), Matthew 16 (“Who do you say that I am?”), and Matthew 27 (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). These references are used to contrast different types of questions in Scripture—some honest and relational, others ironic or manipulative—and to show that God welcomes honest engagement but resists cynical questioning.

Embracing Truth: The Harmony of Love and Faith (Ligonier Ministries) references a wide array of passages from John’s Gospel (John 1:14, John 8, John 14:6, John 17, John 6, John 10), as well as Psalms (Psalm 116, Psalm 4), and Paul’s evaluation in Romans (“they exchanged the truth about God for a lie”). These references are used to build a comprehensive biblical theology of truth, showing that Jesus is the embodiment and revealer of truth, and that the world’s resistance to truth is a recurring biblical theme.

Embracing Truth: The Transformative Power of God's Word (Covenant Community of Ellijay) cross-references John 1, John 14:6, John 17 (Jesus’ high priestly prayer), Romans 1 (suppression of truth), 2 Timothy 3 (contrast between those who oppose and those who submit to truth), Colossians (warning against false teaching), and 2 Peter 1:21 (inspiration of Scripture). These references are used to support the claim that truth is objective, revealed, and transformative, and that Scripture is the God-breathed standard for all belief and practice.

Discerning Truth Amidst Deception: A Call to Courage (Harvest Alexandria) cross-references 1 Kings 22 (the story of Micaiah), John 10:27 (“My sheep listen to my voice”), Joshua 1:8 (meditating on the law day and night), Galatians (the law as a schoolmaster), Ephesians 4:15 (speaking the truth in love), and Haggai 1:6 (rebuke for poor stewardship). These references are used to illustrate the importance of discerning true from false voices, the cost of faithfulness to truth, and the biblical call to courage and integrity.

Jesus: The Way, Truth, and Life (David Guzik) cross-references John 14:6 (“I am the way, the truth, and the life”), connecting it to Jesus’ statement before Pilate to show the continuity of Jesus’ self-revelation as Truth. He also references John 1:14, 17 (truth came by Jesus Christ), John 8:40, 45-46, and John 16:7 (Jesus’ repeated claims to truth-telling), as well as Old Testament passages such as Psalm 12:6-7, Proverbs 30:5, and Psalm 119:89 to support the reliability and authority of God’s word as truth. Additionally, he cites Matthew 5:17-18 to show Jesus’ affirmation of the Old Testament’s authority.

Pilate's Dilemma: Choices Between Truth and Public Opinion (David Guzik) references Luke 23 (Pilate’s declaration of Jesus’ innocence), John 18:38 and 19:4 (Pilate’s repeated statements, “I find no fault in him”), and Matthew 27:37 (the inscription “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” above the cross). These references are used to underscore Pilate’s recognition of Jesus’ innocence and the tragic irony of his ultimate decision.

Embodying Truth: The Nature of God's Faithfulness (Ligonier Ministries) cross-references John 14:6 (Jesus as the Truth), James 1:27 and 5:12 (the ethical implications of truthfulness), and the Sermon on the Mount (Jesus’ teaching on oaths). The sermon also alludes to the Ten Commandments, particularly the prohibition against taking God’s name in vain, to illustrate the biblical seriousness of truth and promise-keeping.

Reviving Europe: Proclaiming Christ Alone in Darkness (Ligonier Ministries) references 1 Timothy 2:5 (“one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus”) and Acts 4:12 (“there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”) to reinforce the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ as Truth.

Reviving Europe: The Call for Robust Theology (Ligonier Ministries) alludes to John 18:37-38 as the model for understanding Europe’s spiritual condition and references the broader biblical narrative of Christ’s exclusivity and sufficiency.

John 18:37-38 Christian References outside the Bible:

Embracing Questions: Seeking Truth in Faith (LLMC Online) explicitly references C.S. Lewis, quoting his idea that in heaven, “all questions and our need for answers will simply melt away before his face.” This is used to reinforce the point that ultimate truth is found in the person of Christ, and that intellectual or existential questions will be resolved in the presence of God.

Embracing Truth: The Harmony of Love and Faith (Ligonier Ministries) references John Calvin, noting his statement that “the human mind is a factory of idolatry,” and R.C. Sproul, channeling his critique of Dostoyevsky’s supposed statement about following Jesus even if he were not the truth. The preacher uses these references to reinforce the necessity of grounding faith in the objective truth revealed by Christ, rather than in subjective or mystical experience. The sermon also references James Montgomery Boyce and the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology in connection with the discussion of Orwell’s 1984, using this as a springboard to discuss the dangers of institutionalized falsehood.

Jesus: The Way, Truth, and Life (David Guzik) explicitly references Francis Schaeffer, quoting his concept of “true truth” to distinguish between subjective and objective truth. Guzik credits Schaeffer with foreseeing the cultural consequences of relativism and the need for Christians to assert the reality of objective truth.

Embodying Truth: The Nature of God's Faithfulness (Ligonier Ministries) also references Francis Schaeffer’s “true truth” terminology, explaining its significance in the context of modern subjectivism. The sermon further mentions Howard Cosell as a cultural touchstone for the idea of “telling it like it is,” using him as a foil for the biblical view of truth.

Reviving Europe: The Call for Robust Theology (Ligonier Ministries) references C.S. Lewis, quoting his observation that “the dogma is the drama” to argue that robust doctrine is essential for vibrant faith. The sermon also discusses John Calvin’s strategy for re-evangelizing Europe, highlighting his emphasis on theological education, church planting, and the distribution of doctrinally sound literature.

John 18:37-38 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Embracing Truth: The Harmony of Love and Faith (Ligonier Ministries) provides a detailed illustration from George Orwell’s novel 1984, describing the Ministry of Truth, the manipulation of information, and the ultimate destruction of individuality and freedom in a society dominated by lies. The preacher recounts the plot and themes of 1984, including the character Winston’s torture in Room 101, to illustrate the destructive power of institutionalized falsehood and the contrast with the liberating truth brought by Christ. The sermon also references the Versificator, a fictional machine that composes music without human involvement, as a metaphor for the dehumanizing effects of technological manipulation of truth.

Discerning Truth Amidst Deception: A Call to Courage (Harvest Alexandria) uses the example of Elon Musk as a modern “whistleblower,” drawing a parallel between Musk’s exposure of government waste and the suffering he endures as a result, and the biblical example of prophets who suffer for telling the truth. The preacher details Musk’s financial losses, public criticism, and the broader cultural phenomenon of whistleblowers facing retaliation, using this as an analogy for the cost of standing for truth in a hostile environment. The sermon also references the concept of “spring cleaning” as a metaphor for societal reform and the exposure of corruption, connecting this to the biblical theme of accountability and stewardship.

Jesus: The Way, Truth, and Life (David Guzik) uses the analogy of subjective truth in matters like “the best flavor of ice cream” to illustrate the difference between personal preference and objective reality. He extends this to contemporary debates on morality, gender identity, and social issues, showing how subjective truth has been “weaponized” to undermine objective standards. Guzik also references the popularity of the Bible in terms of its publication, translation, and influence, comparing it to other works of literature and culture.

Embodying Truth: The Nature of God's Faithfulness (Ligonier Ministries) uses a story about a college student who claims that God’s existence is a matter of personal preference, illustrating the modern tendency to treat truth as subjective. The preacher also references Howard Cosell’s catchphrase “Tell it like it is” to discuss the challenge of objective perception. Additionally, the sermon tells a story about a contractor who breaks a promise to a minister, using it as a metaphor for the importance of trustworthiness and the ethical dimension of truth.

Reviving Europe: Proclaiming Christ Alone in Darkness (Ligonier Ministries) and "Reviving Europe: The Call for Robust Theology" (Ligonier Ministries) both use the metaphor of “fossils of Christianity” (ancient church buildings) to illustrate the decline of living faith in Europe. They also reference contemporary European attitudes toward religion, church attendance statistics, and the cultural phenomenon of open ridicule toward believers as evidence of the continent’s spiritual condition. The sermons draw parallels between the skepticism of Pilate and the prevailing post-Christian mindset, using these cultural observations as analogies for the rejection of truth.