During the 2012 US presidential campaign, television
coverage of speeches and debates often included “fact checking” by analysts who
compared the candidates’ statements with their actual records. Were they
telling the truth or manipulating the facts to their advantage?
The apostle John recorded a debate between Jesus and a
group of people who believed He was making false claims about Himself. Jesus
told them, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall
know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). They told
Him that they had never been in bondage to anyone and asked, “How can You say,
‘You will be made free’?” (v.33).
As the debate continued, Jesus kept saying that He was
telling them the truth (vv.34,40,45-46,51). Some believed Him, but others
remained angry at Him and unconvinced. In a sense, that debate goes on today. Those who
oppose Jesus seek to discredit His statements and twist them into lies. Jesus
says, “I am telling you the truth,” and promises that He will give us a freedom
we can find nowhere else. The Bible record of Jesus’ life is worth “fact
checking” as we determine who we will follow. All of us have a choice to make.
God’s truth stands any test. (RBC)
