What is Truth? - Part Deux

He reveals his superior origins to him: “I came into the world . . .” He says, therefore, mysteriously, that he existed before his earthly life; he comes from another world. He came to earth to be a witness to the truth.

Jesus treats Pilate as a soul who needs light and truth, and not as a judge. He is interested in the destiny of the man Pilate more than in his own destiny. With his appeal to receive the truth, he wants to prompt him to come to his senses, to look at things with different eyes, to place himself above the momentary dispute with the Jews.

The Roman procurator understands Jesus’ invitation to him, but he is skeptical and indifferent about this kind of higher speculation. The mystery he glimpses in Jesus’ words frightens him, and he prefers to end the conversation. Muttering to himself “What is truth?” he leaves the prætorium.