Seeing God's World · Lesson 3
Is Truth Real?
John 18:28-38; John 14:1-6; John 8:31-32 New Testament PrincipleHonesty
When Jesus stood before Pilate, He said He came to tell the truth. Pilate asked, "What is truth?" but walked away without waiting for the answer, even though the Truth was standing right in front of him. Truth is real, Jesus is the Truth, and God's people love and tell the truth.
Truth is real because God is real. Jesus is the Truth, so His followers are honest, even when it's hard.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."”
John 14:6 BSB
Christ Connection · God’s character
Jesus doesn't just tell the truth; He is the Truth (John 14:6). He came "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14), and it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18). Jesus told Pilate the truth even though it led to the cross. He died for our lies and every sin, and rose again, so that knowing Him, "the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).
John 14:6; John 1:14, 17; John 8:31-32; Hebrews 6:18
The Big Story · Redemption
Sin began with a lie, "You will not surely die" (Genesis 3:4), and the devil is "the father of lies" (John 8:44). Jesus, the Truth, came to undo the lie and set people free.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 47-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: Does wishing make it so?
- Bible Kitchen (taste the story): Sugar or salt?
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: True or not?
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
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Preschool (ages 3–5)
Jesus always tells the truth.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: True or not true?, Color Jesus
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" but walked away without the answer. Truth is what is real. Jesus is the Truth, and He helps us tell the truth too.
Memory verse
“Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life."”
Adapted from John 14:6
Start here
Say, "I feel like today is my birthday!" (Even if it isn't.) Ask, "Does feeling it make it true?" Say, "Today we learn what truth really is."
Bible story 6 min
Some leaders did not like Jesus. They took Him to Pilate. Pilate was a ruler from Rome.
Pilate asked, "Are You a king?" Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. I came to tell the truth. All who love the truth listen to Me."
Pilate said, "What is truth?" Then he walked out! He did not wait for Jesus to answer.
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Feelings or real? 8 min
- Say a line. "I feel like it's night." "The sun is shining." "I wish I could fly." "God made me." Kids stand for "real" and squat for "just a feeling or wish."
- Say, "Feelings matter. But truth is what is real!"
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
Pilate asked, "What is truth?" but walked away from the One who is the Truth. Truth is what's real, and it doesn't change with our feelings. Jesus is the Truth, so His followers are honest.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: What the Bible says about truth, Truth detective
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, in sports and games, online and on screens
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
Pilate's question, "What is truth?", is the question of our age. Truth is real because God is real. It's discovered, not invented, and it is personal, because Jesus is the Truth. People who belong to the Truth love it, speak it and live it.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Test the slogans, Truth that costs
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: online and on screens, at school, with friends
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons on Honesty
The same principle in other Bible stories.
