It seems odd that in our present day of technology and knowledge, it is very difficult to determine the difference between truth and opinion. You’d think it would be just the opposite. Yet here we are, in an environment where we can’t even trust news reports to reveal the whole story. Two-thousand years ago, Jesus proclaimed he is “the way, the truth, and the life.” By being ‘the way,' he was telling us that finding a path towards God would come through knowing him. But what about Jesus being 'the truth'? In a practical sense, how do we begin to understand Jesus as not only teaching us truth but actually being it?
Jesus as the path, the way to God, opens up the realization that he is the complete embodiment of divine truth. He doesn’t merely teach truth—he IS truth, the full representation of God’s will and character. John 14 shows us how Jesus relayed God's words accurately and acted in perfect alignment with the Father's intent, similar to how an ambassador speaks only on behalf of their government.
Jesus being 'the truth'
This was continually reflected by his relationship with the Father, which was always one of unity and submission.
He always said what the Father instructed, did what pleased God, and reflected His care for humanity.
Because of all these things, he was able to assure his disciples of ongoing peace and spiritual support, even amidst the confusion and grief before and after his crucifixion.
The spirit of truth
Jesus introduced the holy spirit as the “spirit of truth,” as it would be God’s direct influence sent to them after his departure. Through it, the disciples would remain anchored in truth and be set apart by it.
Speaking to the Pharisees in John 8, Jesus affirmed that true freedom could only come through knowing and continuing in his word because his words were God’s truth. Though he faced opposition and death, he boldly spoke truth, fulfilled prophecy and established the groundwork for God's coming kingdom.
Ultimately, Jesus as 'the truth' means he is the revealed reality of God's redemptive plan—faithful, clear and unwavering. His mission wasn’t to challenge earthly authority but to eventually establish divine order and justice. This truth sets his disciples free and invites them to reflect it in love, obedience and spiritual transformation.