As Seen By Napoleon:

Jesus, the Incomparable

In his final exile on the Isle of St. Helena, looking back on the tumultuous events of his life, Napoleon said about Jesus, “I know men, and I tell you, Jesus is not a man. He commands us to believe, and gives no other reason than his awful word, I AM GOD.

Napoleon Bonaparte

1769 – 1821

“Philosophers try to solve the mysteries of the universe by their empty dissertations: fools; they are like the infant that cries to have the moon for a plaything. Christ never hesitates. He speaks with authority. He seeks, and absolutely requires, the love of men, the most difficult thing in the world to obtain.

As Seen By Napoleon: Jesus, the Incomparable

“Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and myself founded empires; but upon what? Force. Jesus founded his empire on Love; and at this hour millions would die for him. I myself have inspired multitudes with such affection that they would die for me. But my presence was necessary. Now that I am in St. Helena, where are my friends? I am forgotten, soon to return to the earth, and become food for worms. What an abyss between my misery and the eternal kingdom of Christ, who is proclaimed, loved, adored, and which is extending over all the earth? Is this death? I tell you, the death of Christ is the death of a God. I tell you, JESUS CHRIST IS GOD.”

Now that I am in St. Helena, where are my friends? I am forgotten, soon to return to the earth, and become food for worms. What an abyss between my misery and the eternal kingdom of Christ, who is proclaimed, loved, adored, and which is extending over all the earth? Is this death? I tell you, the death of Christ is the death of a God. I tell you, JESUS CHRIST IS GOD.

In his final days, Napoleon saw the gulf that stands between the life of Jesus and life of sinful man. Jesus lived a singularly perfect life. He was the most gracious, tender, and patient man who ever lived. He loved much, and deeply. People longed to be around him, to hear him teach with power and wisdom. He healed many: the deaf heard, the lame walked, the blind could see, and even the dead were made alive again. Jesus did things no other man could do. There was no sin in him.

Then, fulfilling ancient Hebrew prophecies, Jesus died a shameful death on a cross, a death usually reserved for criminals. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). Whoever believes that Jesus is God come in the flesh to pay for our sins, will obtain eternal life.

The good news is that because Jesus had no sin, even death could not hold him. He rose from the dead after three days. Hundreds of people saw him. He talked, ate, and drank with them. He let them touch his nail-pierced hands and his spear-wounded side that they might believe he really did die on the cross and rise again. He now offers resurrection life to whoever will believe in him.

Many who witnessed Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection themselves died brutal deaths because of their faith in him. Some were stoned, others were sawn in two. All died wit-nessing that Jesus is God.

Jesus himself said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) A life with Jesus as Savior and Master means peace of mind, happiness of heart, forgiveness from God, and everlasting life. Will you receive Christ as your Savior? Ask Jesus to come into your heart and life. Turn away from your sins, and put your trust in him. Do it now—and you can be a child of God today!

Helen Sun, Calhoun ’95