Jesus answered [Pilate], “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

“What do you mean? When you nod your head yes, but you wanna say no, what do you mean? When you don’t want me to move, but you tell me to go, what do you mean? Said we’re running out of time, what do you mean? Better make up your mind. What do you mean? You’re so indecisive of what I’m saying, trying to catch the beat, make up your heart. Don’t know if you’re happy or complaining, don’t want for us to end. Where do I start? First you wanna go to the left and you want to turn right. First you up then you’re down and between. I really want to know. What do you mean?”

The truth was always very important to Jesus. He used the phrase “I tell you the truth” continually throughout the Gospels. At the end of his life as he was preparing to offer the supreme sacrifice of his death, he lectures his executioner about truth, saying that the truth was the reason why he came from God the Father. He came to speak the truth–such was his mission and what his presence with us was all about.

Sometimes human beings do not give themselves to the truth as readily as they should. Pilate would ask the rhetorical question of “What is truth?” It is a question that is echoed in much of the music of today. People in life and especially people in romantic relationships often do not understand other people because they are confused about whether the other people are telling the truth or not.

Justin Bieber’s song “What Do You Mean” is exactly that. The man in the relationship is confused because his friend is telling him one thing, and the actions do not seem to match the words that are spoken. And so, he asks “What do you mean?” In effect, he is saying “What is truth, what is it that you are trying to say, why are you not being honest with me?” The truth will never be clear if the actions do not follow from the words.

Every relationship deserves to be a relationship rooted in truth. In fact, there will be no relationship at all if the people involved are not completely dedicated to what is true. In our world today, communication is often very difficult, but the more we are resolved to tell the truth in every situation, the better will our personal worlds be. And, the better will the whole world be.

Good and gracious God, You have said to us that Your entrance into the world was nothing less than bringing about the truth. At times, we are not as honest and truthful as we should be, thus destroying many relationships. Give us the grace to be dedicated to the truth at all times. Be with us, we pray.

We must be people dedicated to the truth at all times.

1. What is your definition of truth. Compare it to the way the dictionary defines it.
2. Who is most truthful in today’s world?
3. If a person is the way the song describes him/her, what should the other partner do?
4. Text analysis: “Make up your heart.” What is the meaning of the sentence?
5. What does it mean to be “up” or “down” or “between”?
6. In your opinion, what is the principal truth that Jesus gives us?
7. When we wonder whether a person is telling the truth or not, obviously we should ask the other, but oftentimes we do not. Why do human beings behave this way?
8. Do you think that it is possible to tell the truth in every situation? Yes or no and why?
9. How does a person’s telling the truth in a personal situation help the world situation?
10. What does the song “What Do You Mean” teach young people today?