If people do not have the truth, they have to rely on a lie.

The deception is so strong that they didn't want to get it exposed. Even though they know the truth, their blindness, darkness hides the truth.

Jesus said,

John 15:20New International Version (NIV)

20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’[a] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.