If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Matthew 5:41 (NLT)
Many common English phrases find their origins in Scripture. Here are a few which have found their way into our modern vernacular:
- “By the skin of your teeth” from Job 19:20;
- “Can a leopard change his spots?” from Jeremiah 13:23;
- “Drop in a bucket” from Isaiah 40:15;
- “Wash your hands of the matter” from Matthew 27:24;
- “Wits’ end” from Psalm 107:27;
- “A law unto themselves” from Romans 2:14;
- “A sign of the times” from Matthew 16:3; and
- “Go the extra mile” from Matthew 5:41.
“Going the extra mile” is a popular phrase that stems from the teaching of Jesus in today’s reading. Its roots are found all the way back in first-century Palestine. One of the marvels of Roman conquest was a vast system of highways. There were more than fifty thousand miles of these Roman roads throughout the Empire. The Roman mile was a thousand paces, or 1,520 yards. At each single mile there was a stone marker. Back in Jesus’ day, Roman soldiers could lawfully commandeer able-bodied civilians to carry their gear (which could weigh upwards of a hundred pounds) for one mile without any compensation. It was unfair, inconvenient and often backbreaking. But Jesus encouraged His followers to respond in a new and unexpected way, one that would reflect the generous love of God’s kingdom instead of unlawful resistance. Can you imagine the bombshell this must have been as it fell upon the ears of those under Roman occupation who were listening to His sermon? Jesus called upon His hearers to do what was required of them – and then some.
There is the obligated mile motived by law. Then there is the ‘over and above’ mile motivated by love.
Imagine a first-century boy working at his trade. A Roman soldier calls to him and demands that he carry his backpack for one mile down the road. This command interrupts the lad’s whole day and takes him away from his work. But he has no choice. However, this boy is a second miler. They approach the one-mile marker and instead of putting down the pack and marching back home, he volunteers to go an extra mile with the soldier.
That extra mile will make a difference in your relationships at work or at school, or in your home. Someone who journeys on the extra mile has a way of lightening the load of those around them. Paul said:
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (KJV)
Why should each Christian go the extra mile? Because the Lord Jesus Christ went all the way to Calvary for us. It took Him to the cross where He bore the weight, not of a Roman soldier’s backpack, but of our own sin. Today perhaps God will use your extra-mile efforts to help others see what His outrageous love is all about. Go beyond what is required. Do more than expected. Allow Christ’s love to compel you.