Evidence

“Evidence in its broadest sense includes everything that is used to determine or demonstrate the truth of an assertion. Giving or procuring evidence is the process of using those things that are either (a) presumed to be true, or (b) were themselves proven via evidence, to demonstrate an assertion’s truth. Evidence is the currency by which one fulfills the burden of proof.” From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evidence

A recent reading of Luke 23 prompted me to consider how central issues of evidence were in the events leading to the execution of the Son of God.

Volume is not evidence. The “loud voices” of the enemies of Jesus was not evidence against Jesus; it was evidence of the malice of heart inside these men (Lk. 23:23).

Numbers is not evidence. Throughout the narrative given by all four gospel writers, there are many references to “the people,” “the crowds,” or “the multitudes.” Truth is never determined by how many people raise their voice or hand. Pilate delivered Jesus “to their will,” (Lk. 23:25).

Power is not evidence. The strongest guy doesn’t get to claim he has the truth because of his power. Truth carries its’ own power.

Evidence is about what the facts are and where they lead. In God’s book of nature and God’s book of revelation (Scripture), there are facts to be reckoned with. We must learn the facts and honestly go where those facts take us. And in all our preaching and teaching and debating, we must make our appeals based on facts. All of Scripture conveys facts to us. All the New Testament focuses on the facts of who Jesus is and what He did. In the same revelation, God tells us how He expects us to respond to what He has done. Facts are stubborn things.

“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you have life in His name,” (Jno. 20:30,31).