GOING THE SECOND MILE

1. Introduction

a) Jesus said in Matthew 5: 41, "41If anyone forces (compels) you to go one mile, go with them two miles." (Matthew 5:41 NIV)

2. What does 'going the second mile' mean?

a) It means to do more and make a greater effort; to make more effort that is expected of us; to do more than one is required to do to reach a goal.

b) Jesus wanted us to do more than what was minimally required of us. The Roman mile was 1,000 paces or 1,520 yards a little shorter (by 240 yards) than the English mile (1,760 yards). If a Roman soldier demanded that a Jewish man carry his burden a mile, which was what the law specified, then Jesus said that he should carry it two miles. Jesus was talking about an idea of readiness and willingness to submit to inconvenience or unreasonable demands.

c) Notice that Jesus did not say anything about the Roman soldier. He said, "Whoever shall compel you." This would mean our neighbor or co-worker or church member or boss would compel us to do a certain thing then we should do twice as much as they expect us to do.

3. Why go the second mile?

a) Because we are expected:

i) Not to retaliate (resist or fight back).

@1. 39But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:39-42 NIV)

@2. To many Jews of Jesus' day, these statements were offensive. Any Messiah (a redeemer figure) who would turn the other cheek was not the military leader they wanted to lead a revolt against Rome. Since they were under the Roman oppression, they wanted retaliation against their enemies, whom they hated. But, Jesus suggested a new, radical response to injustice: Instead of demanding rights, given them up freely! According to Jesus, it is more important to give justice and mercy than to receive it.

@3. By telling us not to retaliate, Jesus keeps us from taking the law in our own hands. By loving and praying for our enemies, we can overcome evil with good.

ii) To be perfect (wholeness and completeness; flawless; the highest level of maturity or morality).

@1. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:46-48 NIV)

@2. How can we be perfect?

#1) In character - in this life we cannot be flawless, but we can aspire to be as much like Christ as possible.

#2) In holiness - we are to devote ourselves to God's desires rather than our own, and carry his love and mercy to the world.

#3) In maturity - we must grow toward maturity and wholeness. God expects different behaviour from us, depending on our stage of spiritual development.

#4) In love - we can seek to love others as completely as God loves us.

#5) Those who strive to become perfect will one day be perfect, even as Christ Jesus is perfect.

2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. (1 John 3:2, 3 NIV)

#6) Our miracles for breakthrough for promotion, business opportunity etc. could hinge on this going the second mile.

4. How can 'going the second mile' benefit us?

a) We can renew our mind.

i) 2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)

b) We can strive toward perfection.

i) 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48 NIV)

c) We can change and embrace new kingdom values.

i) 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

d) We can make a difference.

i) 14"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)

5. Prayer focus

a) Pray that we choose to go the second mile to make a difference.

b) Pray for change in the way we do things for the Lord and others.