Leadership Courage and Hope

In his first statement as Prime Minister to the House of Commons (13 May 1940) Sir Winston S. Churchill said, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival.” In a speech on Dunkirk before the House of Commons (4 June 1940) he said; “We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, and we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength. We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We will never surrender.” In a separate speech, he said: “If the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say: ‘This was their finest hour.’” He visited the barracks of his soldiers to give support and courage. Those brave and inspiring words were said only 70 years ago. Churchill lived in violent times. Great words from great men never go out of style. There was another who inspired Leadership, Courage and Hope: a man…from Nazareth.

Jesus was also a historical figure who lived in violent times. He made compassionate speeches and motivated people to do well. He sacrificed blood, toil, tears, and sweat for his people. He offered a bit more: grace, mercy, miracles, messages and gave his life to not just his people, but, to all people. He offered a way to The Father and heaven. He had no country boundaries. Jesus was at war, too, with the Jewish leaders, Pontius Pilot, Roman politicians, and Rome. In the soldiers barracks in Rome they called Jesus’ walk to Golgotha the “Dance of Death.” On his way to the cross, “for you”, he was scourged, spat upon, beaten, mocked and many other adjectives. The bystanders hurled insults, the crowds yelled "Crucify him", the Jewish leaders screamed "blasphemer", the soldiers shouted "Let your God save you now".  "For you" he endured this.  Most do not realize it, but Jesus was practically beaten to death before the cross. The Bible says, pieces of flesh were ripped away, obviously where bones and organs were exposed. This was much more than scourged. Then, after all that, they nailed him on a cross which cut off his breathing, speared him so the rest of life poured out, killed him, stripped him of his clothing, and then laughed at him. "For you" he endured this.  Oh yes, did I forget to mention that before he died that he ask The Father, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.”?

By contrast, the criminal on the other side of Jesus looked at him and said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." By all appearances, the kingdom was finished. How awe-inspiring is the faith of this man who alone saw beyond the present shame to the coming glory! Jesus forgave his murderers. Could you?