Sermon Central
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What Emperor Napoleon Said About Jesus
Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Oct 24, 2025 (message contributor)
Emperor Napoleon I of France (1769-1821), was one of the greatest military commanders of all time.
He conquered the larger part of Europe and did much to modernize the nations he ruled.
What did Napoleon say about Jesus?
"I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison.
Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I founded empires.
But on what did we rest the creations of our genius?
Upon force.
Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of people would die for Him."
"Everything in Christ astonishes me. His spirit overawes me, and His will confounds me ... I search in vain in history to find the similar to Jesus Christ, or anything that can approach the gospel."
When Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled on St. Helena, he was asked by one of his friends, 'Who was the greatest warrior the world has ever known?"
Without hesitation, Napoleon answered, "Jesus Christ.'
"But" said his friend, "you have not always talked that way. When you were winning battles, even up to the very time of Waterloo, you left the impression that you were the world's greatest warrior."
Napoleon replied:
"Yes, I have always acted as though I was the world's greatest conqueror.
I have had lots of time to think since I have been here on this island.
The Caesars, Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Charlemagne and myself have fought with blood and tears and swords of iron, and we lost.
All of us lost.
We lost our sceptres, our crowns and our offices.
The only sword Christ had was a broken reed:
His crown, some twisted thorn:
His army, a band of fishermen and farmers.
His ammunition a heart of redeeming love.
He lives, and I and my kind die.
I stand here and call for the Old Guard to come, but they do not hear me.
There are no responding voices. My old soldiers do not hear me.
I hear nothing but the waves as they bite at the rock beneath my feet.
But after 1800 years have gone into the tomb of time, Christ calls and men answer.
If need be, they give their bodies to be burned:
If need be, they follow Him into the heart to Africa; but better still, they live patient and triumphant lives in His name.
Yes, the other warriors and I will ride down to dust, but Christ will live forever.
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