During 1939 as the Nazis swept their way through Europe the British Government was under extreme pressure to open talks with Adolf Hitler.
It seemed to the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, that both his political supporters and political enemies were keen on similar outcomes; the appeasement of Adolf Hitler and what this might mean for the freedom of the sovereign nation that is Great Britain.
It would be jackboots marching along Whitehall and the rule of Nazi Germany, under a puppet British government.
Winston Churchill had become the new Prime Minister and if nothing else he was a fighter. The thought of surrender was never close to his heart. Torn as he was by the noise of resounding gongs, calls for appeasement on all sides, he was in the most difficult of positions. He wanted to fight for the freedom of his own nation and liberation for those under the jackboot.
But where was the support he needed to come from? The Americans refused to offer help, it was not their war. His war cabinet were of no support. Churchill could not conceive that it was right to give in to Hitler and his cronies; initially even the King was unable to provide his backing for Churchill.
Churchill walked in corridors of power, within circles of people that were beyond the reach of many of the citizens in Great Britain. Born into one of the most aristocratic of families, privilege was a given. People at that time still respected those who were born into class and privilege. Police were respected, vicars were good people seen as authorities to be held in some esteem – the link between man and God. The aristocracy was rarely seen by the working classes unless they happened to be present at some grand occasion; or if you were an employee in a great house.
Churchill, unable to receive the support he needed to wage war on Hitler, did something that in ordinary times he would never have done. Travelling from 10 Downing Street he suddenly jumped out of his chauffeur driven car and took to the underground. *Standing staring at a map of the underground he said to a young woman, “I have never travelled on the underground.” Looking at the underground map he says to the young woman, “Do you understand this map?” “Yes” said the young woman. On being pointed in the right direction he then jumps onto a train and heads towards his destination. Of course, people recognise Churchill, men bow and women curtsey. Taking a seat he wants a light for his cigar, there is hesitation and eventually someone gives him a light. This helps break the ice and Churchill begins to talk about the war and what action should he take.
The overwhelming response from the people on the tube, ordinary people going about their business, men and women unaffected by background, birth, and the political manoeuvring that was so associated with those who were in power; they had no difficulty in saying to Churchill – fight. Such was the resounding call to arms that history has the outcome of this encounter recorded in part by some very powerful words: “We will fight them on the beaches…” House of Commons 4th June 1940. No longer undecided, he was a man who spoke for the people and for the freedom of the people. Churchill was seen as ‘One of us’, a man of the people.
In a similar context I think Jesus was seen as a man for the people. Not persuaded by argument that opposed his rule and authority. He defended those who are marginalised and powerless. Standing up to temptation and doing right. He placed himself as the bridge between good and evil.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
*The Darkest Hour, Director – Joe Wright, Author – Anthony McCarten
