How does "go with him two" challenge our natural inclinations towards fairness? Opening Scripture “Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41) Understanding the Historical Context • Under Roman law, a soldier could legally force a civilian to carry his gear for one mile. • One mile met the requirement of the law; anything beyond was purely voluntary. • Jesus, speaking literally, calls His followers to double what is demanded. Our Natural Sense of Fairness • “I’ll do my duty, but nothing more.” • “If you wrong me, you owe me.” • “Everyone should pull equal weight.” • These instincts arise from a built-in desire for balanced scales—give only what is required, expect strict repayment when wronged. Jesus’ Command: A Radical Response • He does not deny the injustice of forced labor; He elevates the response. • By offering a second mile, the believer seizes the initiative. The oppressor no longer controls the moment; love does. • This instruction mirrors other counter-cultural commands in the same sermon (Matthew 5:38-40). How Going Two Miles Challenges Us • It dismantles the ledger mindset of “owed vs. due.” • It moves us from law-keeping to grace-giving—reflecting God’s own character (Psalm 103:10). • It exposes self-interest, pressing us to serve even when no earthly reward is promised (Colossians 3:23-24). • It forces reliance on God’s justice rather than personal retaliation (Romans 12:19). • It transforms a compulsory act into a voluntary ministry opportunity, opening doors for witness (1 Peter 2:12). Trusting God’s Justice • “Do not avenge yourselves… ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) • Jesus Himself “did not retaliate when He suffered” but “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) • The second mile is an act of faith—confidence that God sees, records, and rewards (Hebrews 6:10). Living It Out Today • At work: finish the assigned task, then look for an extra way to bless your coworker. • In family life: respond to a harsh word with a gentle reply and an act of service (Proverbs 15:1). • On the road: let the aggressive driver merge, then create more space rather than tailgate. • In ministry: volunteer for the unseen duties no one claims, reflecting Christ’s servant heart (Philippians 2:5-8). Choosing the second mile overturns fairness for grace, revealing a Savior who walked every mile to the cross so we could receive far more than we deserve. |
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