Three children from a farm in Lancashire stumble upon Arthur Blakey in their barn and, mistaking him for Jesus Christ, eagerly believe they are witnessing a divine presence. This misconception begins after the children, inspired by their Sunday School stories, hear Blakey exclaim "Jesus Christ!" in shock when Kathy Bostock discovers him unexpectedly. Their curiosity and innocence ignite their belief, prompting the children to question their Sunday School teacher, leading to even more conviction that Blakey is the Savior.
As the story unfolds, the children's fascination grows; they gather around him in a scene reminiscent of Bethlehem, bringing him small gifts and kneeling before him as if he were truly Jesus. They long for stories from the Bible but are disappointed when Blakey reads to them from a newspaper. When two adults arrive and threaten to reveal his location, the children have to leave him hiding in the hay. Despite the danger, Kathy shows her unwavering faith by giving Blakey a folded Bible picture of Jesus and expressing her love—saying, "because we love you."
The children's innocence is challenged when Jackie Greenwood, one of their friends, gets bullied after claiming to have seen Jesus. Despite his initial bravery, Jackie eventually renounces his statement under peer pressure. Meanwhile, when Kathy similarly claims to have seen Blakey and Jesus, a bully named Raymond slaps her face, highlighting the harsh reality of peer judgment and loss of innocence.
Blakey, puzzled by the children's determination to shield him, chooses not to correct their mistaken identity, especially when he learns that Kathy is intent on protecting him from the police, who are actively searching for a wanted man. Despite his apparent calm, his behavior reveals a chilling indifference—such as when he lets a kitten die without remorse, planting seeds of doubt among the children about his true nature.
The story intensifies as Kathy shows her devotion by retrieving a package Blakey has hidden, leading to a police manhunt. She finds the package in a railway tunnel, obtaining a revolver that Blakey keeps hidden. The situation reaches a climax at Charles Bostock's birthday celebration when Nan Bostock casually remarks that the gift is "for Jesus," unintentionally revealing Blakey’s whereabouts. The police are summoned, and Blakey's fate becomes clear.
Amidst the mounting tension, a large group of village children converge on the barn, their secret now almost public. Kathy, trying to protect him, passes a pack of cigarettes through a hole in the barn, but she forgets matches. Recognizing the peril, she assures Blakey she hasn't betrayed him, and he, in a moment of resignation, promises they will meet again. After reaffirming her faith, Kathy begs him to stay, but Blakey ultimately surrenders to the police, tossing his revolver out of the barn as he is apprehended. His stance, arms outstretched during the frisk, echoes the image of the crucifixion, symbolizing sacrifice.
As Blakey is taken away, the community disperses, but not before Kathy is approached by two young children, who ask to see Jesus. With a compassionate smile, she reassures them that while they missed him this time, Jesus will return one day.
> "He promises she will see him again." This gentle belief underscores the theme of innocence, faith, and hope that runs through the entire story, even in the face of harsh realities and doubts.
