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)
