The Chivalry of Jesus - Jesus, The Best Life Ever Lived

“Defend the weak, protect both young and old, never desert your friends. Give justice to all, be fearless in battle and always ready to defend the right.” – The Law of Badger Lords

In the story of our world, no character quality stands out brighter than bravery and stronger than courage. This quality is the willingness to give up one’s life for others, a trait seen most perfectly in Jesus Christ. Like the valiant knights of the Middle Ages who protected the weak and defenceless, Jesus showed a chivalry beyond the physical battlefield. His chivalry is about loving and serving those who cannot help themselves, demonstrating selfless and transformative love.

Chivalry: politeness, courtesy, bravery, gallant, courageous, boldness.

This divine attribute is beautifully summed up in Revelation:

“…Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”…But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals… …. and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” (Rev. 5:2-6)

He is the ultimate “Freedom Fighter” and “Social Activist” but does not fight with weapons. He fights with silent resistance as yeast permeates throughout the dough.

William Penn: “Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the mastery of it. “Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.” “Oh, do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.”

Unique Features

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves..” (Matt. 10:16)

Christ’s bravery is not:

a purposeless noise, but calculated (intentional) focus and accuracy.
a charismatic personality type, humble dependence (meekness) on the Father.
compromise, but stands fearless at the truth.
a hidden search for recognition and prestige, but is a sincere search to see the defenceless and weak rise.
just a periodic heroic deed, but a daily life of obedience and faith in God alone.

Brave Chivalry in the OT

In occupying unknown territory:

“Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.

For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.“ (Joshua 1:6-9)

In Conquering Giants:

“Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” (1 Sam. 17:45-47)

Brave Chivalry in the NT

When your relationship with God far out-weighs your personality, status and education:

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus…” (Acts 4:13-20)

Holy Spirit Submission:

“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:22-24)

Holy Spirit’s armoury:

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness…” (Eph. 6:14)

Commitment’s Reward:

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58)

True Faith is Brave and Fearless

True faith is audacious! Through the Bible, people received faith to do supernatural and brave things (Heb. 11): Abel; Enoch; Noah; Abraham; Isaac; Joseph and Moses.

“And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.

Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword.

They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise.” (Heb. 11:32-39)

A community of brave believers is contagious:

“And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.” (Acts 28:15)

Chivalry in Daily Agreements and Contracts

One should not limit chivalry to one heroic act. As believers, we should develop the inner strength to be resolute in all our daily decisions and transactions.

Our lives are made up of many transactions, negotiations, agreements and commitments. These transactions are considered sacred from a biblical perspective.

Life is a collection of contracts:

Relationships implies a commitment, a contract, a loyalty to each other.
Spiritual authority implies that we understand the order of life and act with divine wisdom and do what is right.

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” (Matt. 18:19)

3 Biblical Concept of Contractual agreements:

1. Making and obeying the rule of Law – Civil Law (Ex. 21:18 – 23:9).
2. Covenant – the word occurs 272 times in the Bible.
3. Oath – the word occurs 255 times in the Bible.

When one studies the laws in the OT, there is a clear dividing line between intentional and unintentional misconduct. It determines the extent to which a person is liable and what the settlement should be.

The Bible gives several examples of contracting:

Gen. 23:3-16: After Sarah’s death, Abraham legally bought her a tomb from the Hittites.
Gen. 25:29-34: Jacob buys Esau’s birthright.
Gen. 29:19-30: Jacob’s transaction for Rachel with Laban, and the deception with Leah.

When a society cheapens the power of an agreement, that society degenerates into self-destructive anarchy.

Faith is a Form of Contract (Title deed) for Provision (Heb 11:1)

In Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus walks on the stormy water to His disciples. Paraphrasing, Peter asks, “Lord, can I walk on the water too?” Jesus agrees and answers: “Come!” Peter responds to the invitation and breaks the law of displacement (doubt or unbelief). He could only walk on water because an agreement had been made with Heaven that manifested on earth.

This concept of faith can bring deeper meaning with the concept of “good faith” in a business sense – it is defined as “honesty or sincerity of intention”. To keep your word and remaining loyal to an agreement are the paths by which all kinds of goods are exchanged. By breaking our agreements, weighing with false scales (Prov. 11:1-3), and simply breaking these transactions, we are destroying the access paths of our own provision.

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount Refers to all three types of contractual agreements:

Jesus did not come to undermine the law but to give it a deeper meaning (Matt. 5:17).
Reconcile a lawsuit by settling matters quickly (Matt. 5:25-26).
Divorce – stay true to your marriage contract (Matt. 5:31-32).
Taking an oath (Matt. 5:33-37).. Let your yes simply be yes. Keep your word.

Legality, Mandate & Integrity

The honour of your word is the consistency to which provision flows:

“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.” (Jas. 5:12)

Understanding legality, mandates, and authority, is essential to success in life.

Jesus could not start “trading” with earth with what heaven offers until it was legally given to Him (The Wedding at Cana – John 2).

Principle: You cannot raise money on behalf of any organization without a legal mandate. You cannot speak on behalf of any group without their consent.

The Legal Authority of God

We are currently experiencing so much chaos in our society because people are trying to make a living from assumptions, false unconfirmed expectations and hearsay.

Jesus can cast out demons because He is the legal authority of God. Jesus is the heavenly Law enforcer of God the Father, the King.

A large part of relationship problems are due to an illegal base and foundation. Who hired you? Who gave you the right? Therefore, when we want to correct someone, we should ask permission, except where the law already exists or has been granted. As with a parent-child relationship, an employee-employer relationship, etc.

Many problems arise because we move illegally outside the framework of order and authority. In heaven there is order:

“They reject the authority of the Lord and insult the heavenly beings. Not even the archangel Michael did such a thing. When he argued with the devil about the body of Moses, he did not allow himself to insult and condemn the devil, but he said to him, “The Lord will punish you.” But these people speak blasphemously about things of which they have no knowledge.” (Jude 8-10)

Some people misuse the fact that we have received life through the righteousness of Christ Jesus, to pursue personal gain. In contrast, Paul, even though he had the right to financial support, chose not to exercise this right (1 Cor. 9:12). Similarly, Peter warns against using spiritual freedom for selfish purposes, urging instead that freedom should be used to serve God. He writes, “You are free, but do not use your freedom as a cover to do evil. Use it to serve God. You must respect all people and love your fellow believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Pet. 2:16-17)

Business Protocol

During meetings:

Recognize and respect authority, adress the Chairman in all interactions.
Give recognition to the chairperson. Follow their given order: “Mr. Chairman. . . ”
Ask permission before making a point.
Stick to the point.
Ask permission to move outside the point.

Concluding Contracts

Honour the goalpost: Some people abuse a given original commitment by moving the goalposts all the time, without updating the contract. Regularly reaffirm and review the contract. Just as when you hire a plumber, you first agree on the initial work through a confirmed quotation. If you then add more tasks, you can’t expect them to be included at the original price. Similarly, in any agreement, it’s essential to continually review and update the terms to reflect any changes in scope or expectations.

Uphold Biblical Standards: Changing the accepted standards to suit you is an abomination against God. “You shall have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure, that your days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord your God is giving you. For all who do such things, all who behave unrighteously, are an abomination to the Lord your God.” (Deut. 25:15-16)
“Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the short measure that is an abomination? Shall I count pure those with the wicked scales.” (Micah 6: 10-11)

Resist Peer Pressure: Stand firm in your convictions and do not conform to the majority. When testifying in a court case, remain steadfast and do not let the influence of others lead you to distort the truth.

Hurts can Deceive: Deeply wounded by misleading or harmful words, some individuals have grown sceptical of verbal communication. They often search for hidden meanings behind spoken words, considering nonverbal cues to be more truthful. Such scepticism can lead them to believe everyone is dishonest, making it difficult to trust anyone’s spoken word. This issue can extend into personal relationships, such as marriages, where one spouse might rely more on their interpretation of nonverbal signals than on their partner’s explicit statements.

Poverty mentality: People struggling economically might break laws or fail to keep promises out of sheer necessity, not malice. They may be caught in a destructive cycle, forced to rob Peter to pay Paul due to limited funds and opportunities. As they breach more contracts and promises, their reputation suffers, leading others to avoid doing business with them. This loss of trust can further isolate them from potential opportunities that could improve their situation, reinforcing the cycle of hardship. Be courageous to tell the truth, and discuss difficulties with clients, and keep them informed. Why? Your word matters most!!

Some value feelings more than to honour their word: Some individuals prioritize their emotions over adhering to commitments, rules, or contracts, often excusing their actions by saying they no longer felt like fulfilling their obligations. Relying heavily on fluctuating emotions can lead to inconsistency and instability, making it difficult to maintain reliable relationships or business dealings. To counteract this, it is crucial to act with courage and integrity, choosing to do what is right rather than what feels right at the moment.

The Church’s Calling To Chivalry

The kingdom of God is never in danger or crisis. Believers who live according to Jesus’ precepts should never waver despite suffering persecution (Heb. 12:26-19). The Kingdom is not only a destination, it is an operating system. This operating system has remained sustainable over thousands of years!

Western Christianity has a rich history of contributing positively to society, emphasizing values such as community, justice, and the sanctity of life. In contemporary times, Western societies face challenges such as rampant individualism, consumerism, lawlessness, and selfishness.

1. Simplicity

The Bible advocates for a life of simplicity, focusing on spiritual wealth over material wealth. Verses such as Matthew 6:19-21 emphasize storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

Early Christian communities practiced simplicity, sharing resources (Acts 2:44-45) and living modestly.

Practical Application:

Counteracting Consumerism: Western Christianity can lead by example, promoting a lifestyle that values relationships and spiritual growth over material possessions.

Community Initiatives: Churches can encourage practices like minimalism and sustainable living, reducing the ecological footprint and fostering contentment.

2. Meditative Solitude

Biblical Examples: Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16), highlighting the importance of solitude for spiritual renewal.

Monastic Traditions: Throughout history, Christian monasticism has emphasized solitude and contemplation as paths to deeper spiritual insight.

Practical Application

Modern Practice: Encouraging periods of silence and retreat in daily life can help individuals combat the constant noise and distraction of modern society.

Mental Health: Christ-centered Bible Schools, and preaching provide the basis of well-being, reducing stress and fostering inner peace.

3. Value-based Social Cohesion

Intrinsic worth & dignity
Non-partisan
Non-racist
Non-violent, passive resistance
Relational Hierarchy
Freedom of choice
Sanctity of life
Personal Responsibility
Stewardship towards multiplication
Common Good
Work to bless
Justice & equity

To survive life one cannot have all, and be all to everyone. Thus, a set of priorities are needed. The Bible provides a set of divine values and priorities that have been proven over centuries to be most sustainable.

Practical Application

Church Programs: Churches can create programs that unite diverse groups, fostering unity and understanding. Start local Community Development Agencies that unite the whole community in solving a practical visible outcome. See Heartlines^[1]

Social Justice Initiatives: The one area where we can make a huge difference is not only fighting for the life of the unborn, but also for the lives of children, teenagers, parents and the elderly. We must consistently be the leading the charge for ALL LIFE! In most cases, the main reason why mothers abort their babies is for economic reasons. This means that there is a huge need for the church to get involved, and to support mothers and raise adoptive families.

4. Sacredness of Family Structure

The family is seen as a fundamental unit of society, with roles and responsibilities outlined in scriptures such as Ephesians 5:22-33 and Colossians 3:18-21.

The preservation and nurturing of the family unit have been central to Christian teaching throughout history.

Practical Application

Family Support: Churches can offer support for marriages and parenting, providing resources and counseling to strengthen family bonds. See the World Needs a Father^[2]

Youth Programs: Investing in youth programs that teach values and life skills can help instill a sense of responsibility and belonging.

5. Restorative Justice

The concept of restorative justice aligns with biblical principles of forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 18:21-22, Luke 17:3-4).

The early church often practiced restorative justice, focusing on the restoration of relationships rather than punitive measures.

Practical Application

Community Initiatives: Churches can advocate for restorative justice practices in their communities, working with local authorities to implement programs that focus on rehabilitation and reconciliation.

Support Groups: Providing support groups for victims and offenders can facilitate healing and restoration.

6. Asset-based Community Development

The Bible teaches stewardship of personal resources, emphasizing the importance of using one’s gifts and talents for the common good (1 Peter 4:10). Jesus’ parables often highlight the value of using and multiplying resources (Matthew 25:14-30).

Practical Application

Community Projects: Churches can identify and leverage the strengths and assets within their communities to address local needs, fostering self-reliance and empowerment. There is currently a movement in SA led by James Blignaut ^[3] that promotes “revival agriculture” with the slogan: “Heal the Land / Heal the People”. Healthy, biological, healing agriculture is also currently becoming more prominent worldwide. See ABCD^[4].

Skill Development: Offering training and development programs can help individuals utilize their skills effectively, contributing to community growth. See the Work4ALiving^[5] project.

7. Freedom of Speech and Religion

The prophets and apostles often spoke out against injustice and corruption, exercising their freedom of speech to uphold truth and righteousness (Amos 5:24, Acts 4:19-20).

Christianity has championed the right to speak freely, especially in the face of oppression.

Practical Application

Advocacy: Churches can advocate for freedom of speech in their communities and nations, ensuring that individuals can express their beliefs and opinions without fear.

Open Dialogue: Fostering a culture of open dialogue within the church can encourage healthy discussions and the exchange of ideas.

8. Local Community Development vs. Totalitarian Central Control

This principle, rooted in Christian social teaching, emphasizes that matters should be handled by the smallest, most local competent authority, rather than being centralized. Jesus circuit of ministry, was located in the small towns around Jerusalem.

Biblical Examples: The early church operated through local communities, each taking responsibility for their members (Acts 6:1-7).