Going The Extra Mile

Going the Extra Mile

Matthew 5:38-42

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

Introduction

Dear brothers and sisters,

Following Christ is not a call to an ordinary life. The teachings of Jesus call us to be transformed by God’s grace and to reflect His character in our actions. The passage we just read is part of Jesus’ profound teaching on the mount, and today, we will focus specifically on verse 41:

“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”

This verse teaches us how to respond to challenging situations with grace, going beyond what is expected with a calm and willing attitude.

In the world, most people are driven by a strong desire for justice and a tendency to defend their own rights. However, this often leads to conflict and escalation rather than true justice. The world teaches us to give back what others deserve, or even more. But Jesus offers a different way—a call to go beyond natural tendencies and to reflect God’s love and grace even in the toughest circumstances.

Today, we will explore how this teaching applies to our lives in a world filled with prejudice, conflicts, and selfishness. How can we live out Jesus’ teaching to “go the extra mile”?

Historical Context: Jesus’ Request in the Roman World

The phrase “go the extra mile” had a very specific meaning in Jesus’ time. Under Roman law, a soldier could compel a citizen to carry their load for up to 1,000 steps. This was a burdensome and often humiliating law.

We see an example of this in Mark 15:21, where Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus’ cross. Roman citizens were not required to go beyond 1,000 steps. Once they reached the limit, they could drop the load without further obligation.

Jesus’ command to “go with them two miles” would have been shocking to His audience. To voluntarily carry the load further, beyond what was required, was unthinkable. Yet this is precisely what Jesus calls us to do—respond to injustice with generosity and love, exceeding all expectations.

The Christian Response: Why Going the Extra Mile Matters

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:41 is not about merely meeting obligations but about exceeding them with love and grace. It’s about showing the heart of God to others.

Reflecting God’s Grace

Grace, by definition, is undeserved favor. God’s grace towards us is unmerited, and as followers of Christ, we are called to extend that same grace to others. Going the extra mile is not just an action; it’s a testimony of God’s love.

Witnessing Through Actions

• When we go beyond what is expected, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

• It is through these small acts of kindness that others may see the light of Jesus and be drawn to Him.

Practical Application: Living the Extra Mile in Daily Life

1. Dealing with Difficult People

• We all encounter individuals who challenge our patience or take advantage of us. Responding to such people with kindness and love reflects our trust in God’s justice rather than our own.

• Offering kindness without expecting anything in return reveals the depth of God’s love.

2. Community and Relationships

• Help your neighbor, support your coworkers, and notice the needs of those around you. Volunteering without being asked or offering more than what’s required reflects Christ’s teachings.

3. Worship and Service

• Our relationship with God also calls us to go the extra mile. In prayer, worship, and service, giving our best and offering more than the minimum demonstrates our love and commitment to God.

The Ultimate Example: Jesus Christ

1. Sacrificial Love Beyond Measure

• Jesus didn’t stop at doing the bare minimum for humanity. He endured rejection, ridicule, and suffering, ultimately laying down His life on the cross for us.

2. An Invitation for Us

• Christ’s sacrifice is the ultimate example of going the extra mile. His life, death, and resurrection call us to follow His example, living sacrificially and showing unconditional love to others.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, Jesus’ teaching to “go the extra mile” is not just a command; it is a call to embody the love and grace of God in every aspect of our lives. It is an opportunity to witness to the transformative power of Christ in a broken world.