In elementary school science we learn that a test can be done using litmus paper to establish the acidity or alkalinity of certain solutions.  The litmus test was a “sure thing,” deemed trusted and reliable by research scientists.  The test decides what is truly present in a mixed solution.  The litmus test repeatedly gives a reliable answer.

Later, the phrase “use the litmus test” was coined as a reliable way to flesh out truth of an individual.  The litmus test of character is given among political, religious, and other leaders to research what single factor or trait (such as an attitude, event, or fact) that is decisively true in the makeup of this individual. The “litmus test” is used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable.  The litmus test of truth is a critical indication of future success or failure according to the researchers.  Bias?  Probably.

In other words, are they really who they say they are?  What is the truth?

Jesus is Truth—And Jesus was tested. 

John 7, The Message

^1-2 Later Jesus was going about his business in Galilee. He didn’t want to travel in Judea because the Jews there were looking for a chance to kill him. It was near the time of Tabernacles, a feast observed annually by the Jews.

^3-5 His brothers said, “Why don’t you leave here and go up to the Feast so your disciples can get a good look at the works you do? No one who intends to be publicly known does everything behind the scenes. If you’re serious about what you are doing, come out in the open and show the world.” His brothers were pushing him like this because they didn’t believe in him either.

^6-8 Jesus came back at them, “Don’t pressure me. This isn’t my time. It’s your time—it’s always your time; you have nothing to lose. The world has nothing against you, but it’s up in arms against me. It’s against me because I expose the evil behind its pretensions. You go ahead, go up to the Feast. Don’t wait for me. I’m not ready. It’s not the right time for me.”

^9-11 He said this and stayed on in Galilee. But later, after his family had gone up to the Feast, he also went. But he kept out of the way, careful not to draw attention to himself. The Jews were already out looking for him, asking around, “Where is that man?”

^12-13 There was a lot of contentious talk about him circulating through the crowds. Some were saying, “He’s a good man.” But others said, “Not so. He’s selling snake oil.” This kind of talk went on in guarded whispers because of the intimidating Jewish leaders.

The Question of the Day—Could It Be the Messiah?

^14-15 With the Feast already half over, Jesus showed up in the Temple, teaching. The Jews were impressed, but puzzled: “How does he know so much without being schooled?”

^16-19 Jesus said, “I didn’t make this up. What I teach comes from the One who sent me. Anyone who wants to do his will can test this teaching and know whether it’s from God or whether I’m making it up. A person making things up tries to make himself look good. But someone trying to honor the one who sent him sticks to the facts and doesn’t tamper with reality.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

The religious teachers of the Law test Jesus with every breath, every word, and every action.  He is Truth but they cannot accept Jesus as Truth, the Messiah come as promised.  Is it because they have been so far removed from Truth that they forgot what Truth looks like?

The litmus test is given often by a pretentious, biased establishment.  Truth be told, Jesus was found to be who He says He is.  But they did not tell the truth because they were not who they pretended to be!

As Jesus does what His Father tells Him to do at exactly the time God tells Him to say or do it, the religious leaders reprimand Him.  In fact, they want to kill Him.  But that does not stop Jesus from obeying God.

Jesus knows that more tests will come by those whose hearts “are far removed from Me” (See Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8-9); but He has a mission from God to fulfill God’s Plan set in motion since the beginning of creation. (Camp on this thought for a moment.)  God’s compassion for his created beloved fails not.  “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:22-24

Jesus’ unbelieving, earthly family of brothers push Jesus: “Show your stuff so you can become more popular in your ministry.” 

Oh church, how many times do we fall for this one?  We can learn from Jesus as he pushed back with this vital truth: “…I expose the evil behind its pretensions.”  In any walk of life, wherever God has called you to be with whatever He has called to do; there will be people who push you to do what they want so they can profit from what you are willing to give.  God is not pleased with our giving in to please others above pleasing Him. 

Pleasing others will never satisfy or fill the void within our being meant only for God alone.  Pretending to be who we are not is the greatest evil of all!  Repent of it quickly!  Pretense leads us down a dark road of constantly seeking approval from others, discontentment, becoming full of pride along with hateful arrogance.  Love is lost.  Life is lost to the world.

The Litmus Test: “Could He be the Messiah”?

Jesus answers as the Master Teacher who is Truth with a lesson:

“What I teach comes from the One who sent me. Anyone who wants to do his will can test this teaching and know whether it’s from God or whether I’m making it up. A person making things up tries to make himself look good. But someone trying to honor the one who sent him sticks to the facts and doesn’t tamper with reality.

And there you have it: Truth tested.  Truth wins every time.

“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  John 1:1 NLT

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.  We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” John 1:14, MSG

Lord,

Thank you for a large dose of Truth today that cleanses our hearts, renews our minds, refreshes our souls with your new mercies for today and restores the joy of your salvation work within us.  Truth is healing.  Truth is refreshing! 

As we meditate on Truth, we are changed.  As we grow in believing faith, our behaviors are transformed.  Fill every part of our being with Truth so we will never forget who we belong to and love.  I’m yours and that’s the Truth!  I will stick to the facts and not tamper with the reality of You in me and me in You!

In Jesus Name, Amen