During the 2016 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)
