And the truth will make you free.
The truth. It was at Jesus’ trial, after Jesus told his accusers that he had come to testify to the truth…that Pilate famously replied “what is truth?” And then, Pilate proceeded to have Jesus crucified, even though he didn’t believe he was guilty of anything…but because it was “politically expedient”…it appeased the crowds. “Truth”, Pilate assumed, really wasn’t all that important anyway. Sounds a bit familiar.
Obviously, we are not the first generation to have deep disagreements about what is true and what is not. It is clear that we all can’t agree on the facts these days, but as it turns out…we humans never could. And we still wonder, like Pilate did, if truth really has any meaning at all…if we can ever really know “what is truth?”
But Jesus’ claim this morning is that truth does matter, because the truth sets us free. And what is truth? Well, it turns out that the answer was standing right in front of Pilate. Jesus. Jesus is the truth. Jesus says he is “the way, the truth, and the life.”
You see…the truth isn’t a list of facts or “realities” or dogmas…the truth is Jesus. His word — his life, death and resurrection — testify to the truth. They bear witness to a different way of being in the world…a new way of seeing the world.
In this world, that is so twisted by hate and distrust – where suspicion and defensiveness and anger are commonplace…Jesus shows us a different way..the way of truth and life. Jesus says – that stranger…the Samaritan…the leper…the demoniac…the Gentile…the Nazarene….the tax collector…the soldier…the beggar….is your neighbor. Love your neighbor. Love your neighbor even if they are your enemy. Forgive those who don’t know what they are doing. That is what is true.
In this world, that is so twisted by greed ….Jesus shows us a different way. Jesus says – Money isn’t the most important thing. That is not where your security comes from. If you think it is…you should probably give it away…so you can learn to trust God. Because that is what is true…and it matters.
In this world, that is so twisted by people’s desire for power…Jesus shows us a different way…the way of truth and life. Jesus says…those who serve are great. Those who put others first reveal the awesome power of God. Don’t look at the big shots if you want to know what God is up to…look down. You’ll find the truth.
In this world, that is so twisted by guilt and shame and judgment and blame and finger pointing…Jesus shows us a different way. Jesus says – You are born of God’s spirit. You are part of God’s holy living presence in the world…your life stems from God, like a branch from a vine. Your roots are in God. You are so loved by God…that Jesus was willing to suffer on a cross for you. Your sins are forgiven. That’s the truth. Nothing else.
In this world…that is so twisted by fear….Jesus shows us a different way. He shows us the TRUTH…that leads to life. God is the author of all creation…the lord of life and death. God raises the dead. And so we have nothing to fear. Jesus says…Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid. And that is the truth.
In this world, this world of injustice and evil and bigotry and violence and manipulation and abuse…Jesus shows us a different way…the way of truth and life that sets us FREE in this world that tries to push us around. You are free…to live not according the world’s rules and standards…but to live as a child of God.
Today is Reformation Sunday…and tomorrow will mark 499 years since a young professor named Martin Luther challenged the accepted “rules and standards” of the church by tacking a list of 95 reasons the church shouldn’t sell indulgences to the Wittenburg church door. At that time, the church was twisted by power and greed, and used fear and guilt to coerce people to give money to “buy” forgiveness and eternal life which they sold as “indulgences”. And basically, Martin Luther just said “no”. The church was enslaving people…when the truth was that Jesus, who is the head of the church, who is the only reason the church exists…came to set them free. And Martin wanted to remind them of the way of Jesus.
We are not meant to live by fear or guilt…we are meant to live freely as children of God — who so love the world just as God so loves the world.
On this confirmation Sunday, these five young women are affirming their desire to do just that – to live freely as God’s children in the world and to love the world that God so loves. They are affirming their faith in Jesus – that in the midst of all the chaos of the world…all the voices that clamor for them to “be” a certain way or “do” certain things or “believe” certain principles… they will listen to the way of Jesus. They will trust love, not hate. They will trust hope, not fear. They will trust joy, not despair. They will trust kindness, not suspicion. They will trust faith, not absolutism. They will trust peacemaking, not retaliation. They will trust that…whatever comes…they are children of God.
And that, my friends, is the truth Jesus came to testify to. 499 years ago…that was the truth Luther wanted the church to remember. And this morning, that is the truth we proclaim. You are a child of God. You are free. You have nothing to fear. Because God has you…God holds you…and is not letting you go. Amen.
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