NO OTHER FOUNDATION

Paul Pierce was nicknamed “The Truth” by Shaquille O’Neal after he scored 42 points against the LA Lakers in 2001. The nickname stuck, and “The Truth” had an impressive NBA career. He is an NBA Champion, the 2008 Finals MVP, a 10-time All-Star, and played in the NBA for 19 years. He had some impressive games, his best possibly came when he scored 50 points against the Cavaliers in 2006. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.

I remember watching the NBA Finals in 2008 when Pierce collided with his teammate Kendrick Perkins and fell to the floor gripping his leg in pain. It was the first quarter, but from the looks of Pierce’s pain he would be out the rest of the series. They even brought out a wheelchair and took him back to the locker room. It appeared the Celtics chances of winning the title had dissipated with Pierce’s injury. Just a few minutes later he reappeared on the floor and helped lead his team to a 98-88 victory, scoring 22 points. The Celtics won game 1 and eventually the championship.

It didn’t take long for people to start speculating that Pierce faked his injury. He’s been asked about it since and has given conflicting answers. He has stated that he sprained his MCL on the play, although that seems unlikely due to how quickly he recovered. He has also said that he really just needed to go to the bathroom, but later walked that statement back. Whatever the case, it is 100% accurate that “The Truth” has not “told the truth” before.

The religious leaders brought Jesus before Pilate claiming that He was calling Himself a King, and by doing so, was a threat to Rome. Because of His claim to kingship, they said He deserved to be executed. We read of Jesus’ interaction with Pilate in John 18: 36-38 (CSB), “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” “You are a king then?” Pilate asked. “You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” “What is truth?” said Pilate.

We must all ask Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” The Truth was right in front of him, but Pilate did not realize it. Jesus told His disciples in John 14 the way He was going, but Thomas was confused. “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” -John 14:5-7 (CSB)

Jesus is The Truth. We cannot have a relationship with God without knowing Jesus. And The Truth is The King.

In 2009, Shaq teamed up with LeBron James and the Cavaliers in hopes to bring James his first NBA title. When he was introduced as a Cav, Shaq claimed that his motto was to “Win a Ring for the King.” Lebron was given his nickname, “King James” while he was still in high school and the heir apparent to Michael Jordan. Lebron is an amazing player, but in the opinion of many critics, he has not set himself apart from Jordan. The nickname stuck, but in many people’s minds Jordan will always be considered “King” of the basketball court.

Pilate was concerned that as a king, Jesus posed a threat to Rome. He asked Jesus if He was king of the Jews. When Jesus was crucified a crown of thorns was placed on His head and sign above Him read “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

But Pilate wrote the wrong sign. It should have labeled Jesus as King Of The Universe. As King Of The Universe, every knee will bow to Him. John wrote of King Jesus in Revelation 19:11-16 (CSB), “Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True,and with justice he judges and makes war. His eyes were like a fiery flame, and many crowns were on his head. He had a name written that no one knows except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. The armies that were in heaven followed him on white horses, wearing pure white linen. A sharp sword came from his mouth, so that he might strike the nations with it. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords. “

Notice the name of the rider, “Faithful and True.” Jesus is “The King” and “The Truth.” He is the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” He is King and Truth supreme. He is coming back one day soon. Every knee will bow before Him, including yours. Are you ready?