Recognizing truth when we see it

I’ve mentioned the problem the Pharisees and the priests had where they saw all that Jesus said and did, and still did not believe.

It all comes to a head here. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and there was absolutely no way to refute it. Not after Lazarus had been dead for four days and buried in the tomb before Jesus came.

As a result, people were coming to believe in Jesus left and right.

The Pharisees’ and priests’ response?

“We know what he’s doing. We can’t deny it. But we will not believe.”

All the evidence was there that Jesus was the Messiah, but they would not believe in him.

Instead, their sole concern was that their nation would be taken from them by the Romans if the people tried to declare Jesus king.

The irony of the High Priest Caiaphas’ thoughts on the matter was not lost on John. Caiaphas said,

You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish. (John 11:49-50)

What Caiaphas meant was that it was better for Jesus to die than to have the nation taken away from them by Rome.

But John commented,

He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. (John 11:51-52)

These men were so blinded by their pride and ambition, they could not recognize the truth though it was literally coming out of their mouths.

How about you? Can you recognize truth when you hear it? When you see it staring you in the face?

Jesus said, “I am the truth.” (John 14:6)

If you are ever going to see truth, it starts with recognizing one thing. That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Until you admit that, you will be forever blind.

How about you? Have you come to know the Truth?