Editorial March 11, 1944 Issue

"Pilate saith ... What is truth?"

John Randall Dunn

Look no farther than the Holy Bible if you would seek the world's greatest dramas. Where, for instance, in Shakespeare's mightiest word pictures can be found the parallel of the tragedy of Gethsemane and Calvary? Where is depicted, save in the graphic Gospel records, the saddest travesty of justice mankind has ever known? A man, a gentle man, with hands bound stands before the governor. Pontius Pilate. The crime with which he is charged is stirring up the people and claiming that he is Christ the King. The wrath of the accusing mob is fanned to fever pitch when Pilate attempts to reason with them. "I find no fault in him." he says; at which frenzied mortals shout. "Away with him away with him crucify him": Apparently from the first the governor has glimpsed somewhat of the wonder, the majesty, of the rare spiritual consciousness before him and Pilate's intuitive wife also sends him a message urging him to have "nothing to do with that just man."

Pilate earnestly plies Jesus with questions. Evidently he is hoping against hope that the Master will furnish a pretext for his release. Bravely, simply, unequivocally does Jesus proclaim his mission: "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth." Almost mocking seems Pilate's famous rejoinder, "What is truth?" It would appear that he considered the question unanswerable, for he forthwith goes out, not waiting for Jesus to reply. The English poet Cowper adds this dramatic touch:

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
Example
March 11, 1944
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit