Stauffenberg Statue

Hi, I’m Pastor Lutzer, and we are here in Berlin, Germany. Many of us are touring not only Berlin but also other significant sites throughout Germany, seeking lessons that are vital to us as we face our own challenges in this generation. Today, we are standing at what was known as the Ministry of Defense, even during Hitler’s time. Some of you may have seen the movie “Valkyrie.” The monument behind me is dedicated to Stauffenberg, who was brought here and executed on this very spot, along with many others who were part of the resistance.

It’s a fascinating story of courage and sacrifice. You might recall that Stauffenberg, when he was with Hitler in his secret bunker, placed a briefcase with a bomb next to Hitler. Stauffenberg left the room, saw the explosion, and assumed that Hitler had been killed. But Hitler survived. What actually happened was that a military officer named Brandt moved the briefcase further away, under an oak table, which shielded Hitler from the blast. It’s an incredible story, but ultimately, it’s a story of resistance against tyranny.

Before I read the plaque here, I’d like to share a personal memory. About 20 years ago, I was in Berlin searching for this very site but couldn’t locate it. A young boy on a bicycle happened to pass by, and with my broken German, I tried to explain what I was looking for. To my surprise, that boy led me right here, allowing me to visit this place all those years ago.

Now, let me read the plaque for you. It’s written in German, but the English translation reads: “You could not endure the shame; you resisted. You gave the eternally vital sign of change, sacrificing your glowing lives for freedom, justice, and honor.” There’s another sign across the courtyard with a similar message, reminding us of the great sacrifices made here.

There’s a crucial lesson for us to take away. Sometimes, faithfulness to Christ and the gospel means opposing your own country, even to the point of sacrificing your life for the greater good of others. This is a fitting moment to mention that Dietrich Bonhoeffer had three perspectives on the role of the church in the world. The first was that the church should serve as the conscience of the government, which we can all agree upon. The second was that the church should pick up the broken pieces left behind by the government’s failures. But then he said something radical: there are times when the church must put “spokes in the wheel” — in other words, take decisive action to stop a regime when it is so utterly evil.

Many people have debated whether Bonhoeffer, as a Christian, was right to participate in the plot to assassinate Hitler. That’s a complex issue, but the simple fact is that they were willing to do whatever they could to end a regime that was wreaking havoc on humanity. Bonhoeffer himself was eventually hanged in Flossenbürg concentration camp. Before his death, they stripped him of his clothes, and he prayed. His final prayer was, “O God, this is the end for me, but it is the beginning of life.” The doctor who witnessed his death later said he had never seen anyone embrace death with such peace.

Stauffenberg and many others in the resistance were willing to die for what they believed was right. Today, we honor them. This courtyard is known as Stauffenberg’s Court, and the street here is named after him. We remember all those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom.

Remember, there are times when some things in life are more important than merely staying alive. For many of us, that cause is the gospel. Thank you so much for joining us here in Berlin, Germany. God bless you, and have a good day. Thank you.