In a world of competing voices, misinformation, and “your truth,” how can we know what is actually true? This episode explores the difference between personal perspective and reality, drawing on Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” and Jesus’ declaration that he is the way, the truth, and the life. From the serpent’s deception in Eden to the release of Barabbas, we discover how lies distort our understanding of God, ourselves, and the good life. Jesus offers a freedom rooted in trusting him and living according to what we were created for. At the heart of this message is truth embodied in love: the innocent Jesus taking the place of the guilty, confronting our lies and carrying our cross.
In this episode
• Searching for truth in a noisy world: What Orwell’s 1984, social media, and a culture of “post-truth” reveal about the power of belief.
• Belief, feelings, and reality: Why our experiences matter, yet neither strong conviction nor sincere feelings make something true.
• Hearing what we need: The challenge of receiving God’s truth when it confronts our desires and calls us to change.
• Jesus as the truth: How John’s description of the Word becoming flesh moves the discussion from abstract ideas to a person we follow.
• The anatomy of deception: How Genesis 3 exposes lies about God’s goodness, our identity, and what will truly satisfy us.
• Freedom through surrender: Why freedom means living in alignment with God’s reality and our created purpose.
• Barabbas and the gospel: How the release of a guilty prisoner points to Jesus taking our place—and shows that Christian truth is inseparable from sacrificial love.
Key Scriptures
• John 14:5–6 — Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
• John 18:33–40 — Pilate’s question and the crowd’s choice of Barabbas.
• Proverbs 14:12 — A way can seem right while leading to death.
• Jeremiah 17:9 — The deceitfulness of the human heart.
• 2 Timothy 4:2–5 — Remaining faithful to truth when people seek what they want to hear.
• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 — Honouring God with our bodies.
• John 1:1–3, 14 — The Word becomes flesh.
• John 8:42–45 — Jesus identifies the devil as the father of lies.
• Genesis 3:1–13 — Deception, distrust, and humanity’s fall.
• Romans 1:25 — Exchanging God’s truth for a lie.
• John 8:31–32 — Holding to Jesus’ teaching and finding freedom in the truth.
Lines to remember
“Truth isn’t just something we believe. Truth is someone we follow.”
“Lies promise freedom, but they leave us captives.”
“Truth demands surrender, but produces freedom.”
Reflect and respond
1 Which voices most influence what you believe is true?
2 Where might you be confusing what feels right with what is true?
3 Are you believing a lie about God’s goodness, your identity, or what will satisfy you?
4 What teaching of Jesus do you need to put into practice, even if it challenges your desires?
5 How can you communicate truth with the love and humility Jesus demonstrates?
This week:
Identify one belief or desire that needs to be examined in the light of Jesus’ teaching. Bring it to God in prayer, reflect on the Scriptures above, and choose one practical step of trust and obedience.