The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth

Lent

Week 4 — The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth  

¹⁴ For this is what the Lord of Armies says. Just as I planned to bring disaster upon you when your fathers made me angry, says the Lord of Armies, so that I did not relent, ¹⁵ so in these days I plan to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah once again. Do not be afraid. ¹⁶ These are the things that you are to do: Speak the truth to one another. Render judgments that uphold truth, justice, and peace in your gates. ¹⁷ Do not plot evil in your hearts against each other. Do not love false oaths. Indeed I hate all these things, declares the Lord. (Zec 8:14–17)

The Lord of Armies expresses the thought that since God rules the greatest _________________ (army of stars) and __________________ (armies of angels) powers in the universe, he ___________ everything. (Ruler of all) The Lord of Armies expresses the thought that since God rules the greatest physical (army of stars) and spiritual (armies of angels) powers in the universe, he rules everything (Ruler of all).

1. _________the truth.

⁵⁷ Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the experts in the law and the elders were assembled. …⁵⁹ The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they could put him to death. ⁶⁰ They found none, even though many false witnesses came forward. (Mt 26:57, 59–60a)

The Pharisees left and immediately began to conspire against Jesus with the Herodians, plotting how they might kill him. (Mk 3:6)

This is why the Jews tried all the more to kill him, because he was not merely breaking the Sabbath, but was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. (Jn 5:18)

The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they did not find any. (Mk 14:55)

⁵⁶ Many testified falsely against him, but their testimonies did not agree. ⁵⁷ Some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: ⁵⁸ “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’ ” ⁵⁹ Yet even on this point, their testimony did not agree. (Mk 14:56–59)

Here is what the Mishnah says about trials:

• Witnesses were to be examined rigorously

• False witnesses were severely condemned

• Capital cases required strict procedural safeguards

But those who are cowardly, unbelieving, detestable, murderers, adulterers, sorcerers, idolaters, and all the liars will have their share in the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. (Re 21:8)

Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. (Jn 19:19)

First, because the truth is what his _____________ always wanted to _________. By always speaking the truth, Jesus fulfilled the law, a _____________ of obedience he now _____________ with us.

Second, because he ________ that telling the truth would lead to an untruthful verdict of “_____________” for the innocent one so that the guilty world would _______________ an untruthful verdict of “_________________.”

2. _______________the truth.

Gaslighting is when someone tries to manipulate you by telling you not to believe what your eyes see and your ears hear.

^31b If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples. ³² You will also know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (Jn 8:31b–32)

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

Truth #1: Telling a ___________ lie—even the ___________________ to lie—earns you everlasting _____________________ from God’s presence.

Truth #2: ___________, although fully human and subject to temptation, ___________ _____________.

Truth #3: The _______________ record of Jesus is now credited to sinners. Yes, that _________________ _______.

Truth #4: The horrific record of sinners was charged against Jesus. He accepted the slander, the injustice, and the lies without protest, all so that he could fulfill prophecy, be the _________ of God, and take away the _______ of the world. Yes, that _________________ ___________.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the whole world. (1 Jn 2:2)

The Messiah came to the temple, then he was laid on the altar of the cross to atone for all sins, including every lie that you and I have ever told.

Points to Ponder

1. What is one thing that stood out for you from this week’s message?
2. Why does God so strongly command his people to speak the truth in Zechariah 8:16–17? What does lying reveal about the human heart?
3. How does the title “the Lord of Armies” shape our understanding of God’s authority over truth and justice?
4. In what ways did the religious and political leaders during Holy Week violate God’s commands about truth, justice, and false oaths?
5. Why do we find it so easy to tell partial truths, white lies, or lies that benefit us? How does this expose our need for repentance?
6. How did Jesus’ commitment to telling the truth lead both to his suffering and to our salvation?
7. After hearing both God’s hatred of lies and his forgiveness for liars, how are Christians called to live out the truth with others?

Homework: Zechariah 6