If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Matthew 5:40-42
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The second mile
Soldiers and officials of the occupying power could force a civilian to carry their baggage for a mile. For Jews in an occupied land that was galling. A Roman mile was a little shorter than today's mile: about one and a half kilometres. Later Matthew uses the same verb for Simon of Cyrene, who was made to carry Jesus' cross.
Jesus says: then go twice as far. The first stretch is imposed; the second you choose yourself. That turns coercion into a free gift. This is where the English saying 'go the extra mile' comes from: doing more than is asked of you.
Question for today
Where can I go beyond what is asked of me today?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you carried more than anyone could demand of you. Let me give more than I must, without resentment and without keeping score. Amen.
One of the 339 words of Jesus on this site, from the temple to Revelation. See all the words in order →