“Hearsay”
I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard the phrase, “It’s just hearsay.” It’s often used to brush off information as unreliable, yet ironically, it grabs your attention and makes you curious about what’s being said. But is it always false? In most cases, hearsay involves lies, gossip, something toxic, or even betrayal. And when rumors spread, the fallout can be real — destroying families, friendships, and reputations.
In the legal world, hearsay is often inadmissible in court because it’s based on secondhand information — what someone heard someone else say. And that matters. Imagine someone’s life is on the line, and a witness says, “Well, I heard he confessed to someone else.” That kind of shaky evidence has led to wrongful convictions. After all, if you didn’t hear it yourself, how can you testify with certainty?
But this issue didn’t start with the courtroom. It’s been around since the 1st century — especially regarding one Name: Jesus of Nazareth.
Back then, thousands were talking. Stories spread of Jesus healing the sick, calming storms, casting out demons, and teaching with divine authority. Some believed. Many didn’t. To some, it was just hearsay.
One pivotal moment came when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18). Judas, soldiers, and officials from the chief priests came with lanterns, weapons, and a plan — to take Jesus by force. But Jesus didn’t resist.
He calmly asked, “Who is it you want?”
They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
And then Jesus answered: “I am He.”
John 18:6 tells us, “When Jesus said, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” Imagine that — one man, three words, and trained soldiers dropped flat on their backs.
In that moment, maybe the soldiers realized: the hearsay was true.
He was who He claimed to be. He held power with His words. He had total control. And He still chose surrender.
Hebrews 1:3 (NKJV) He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.
Colossians 1:15 (NKJV) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
John 10:18 (NKJV) No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”
Atonement
Thank God for grace. Jesus willingly laid down His life — not because He was overpowered, but because He chose to be our sacrifice. His death wasn’t taken from Him; it was offered. This selfless act of obedience satisfied the divine requirement: a perfect, unblemished sacrifice — blood without sin. Amen
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