Who Are You ‘Echoing’?

Did you enjoy this episode of The Chosen?

It reminded me of the saying: “Be a voice, not an echo.” The idea is clear: “Have your own voice; don’t just copy others.” And it makes sense. So many people simply repeat what someone else has said—whether it’s the news, gossip, an opinion, or something else. We echo a lot. Wouldn’t it be better to speak with an original voice?

Maybe.
Or maybe not.

Having your own voice can feel like a lot of pressure, can’t it? Always being unique, as if you’re supposed to have all the answers. That can be overwhelming and heavy.

A while ago, I was talking about this with someone, and they said, “It’s not about whether you have your own voice; it’s about who you are echoing.”That thought stuck with me.

Who are you echoing?

In this context, “echoing” means repeating someone else’s words. And in this part of The Chosen, we see a beautiful example of that. Jesus is addressing 5,000 people. How do you do that in an open field, without speakers or modern equipment? Simple—by passing the message along. That’s what the disciples do. They hear Jesus’ words and repeat them to others. The message spreads like an echo across the field. Isn’t that a beautiful image?

In many ways, it still works like that today. You hear Jesus’ words, and you pass them on to others. The source remains Jesus; the words are His, but you get to take part in sharing them.

What a beautiful challenge!

To do that, though, you need to hear His words yourself. Listen closely to Jesus. Pray. Read the Bible. Explore what His words mean, and let the Holy Spirit guide you. The goal isn’t for people to hear you; it’s for them to hear Jesus’ words through you.

One more small detail: notice how the disciples each passed the message along in their own way. Some with loud enthusiasm, others more softly. Some with big gestures, others leaning on a staff.

The words were from Jesus, but they flowed through the disciples, giving the message color and personality. It created diversity, something unique. How amazing is that?

His words.
Passed on.
Echoed.

In your own way.

As summed up in that beautiful verse from John: The words of Jesus are full of Spirit and life…

Here are some questions to reflect on:

• “Be a voice” or “be an echo”?
• Who are you echoing or repeating?
• Do you hear the words of Jesus? How?
• How can you pass on these words of life to others?

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank You for Your words, full of Spirit and life. I want to listen to You, take in Your words, and also pass them on. Help me to do that—faithfully, accurately, but also personally and intimately. Lord, tell Your story through me and let the people around me see something of Your goodness. Amen.”

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