August 9, 2026
What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two?” • Mt 5.41
Jesus said this to Jews, whose first two kings — Saul and David — were “soldier kings” …
To an audience whose most recent indigenous ruler-kings, the Hasmoneans, drove out the Syrian Antiochus Epiphanes and his army … To listeners, some of whom might have been Zealots, waiting for/looking for an opportunity to overthrow their Roman oppressors …
To many who, just like the apostles after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, may have been waiting for the arrival of a physical kingdom.
And yet, Jesus taught them to go the second mile. Don’t just go one … go two. Submit to Roman soldiers. Who serve the emperor, Tiberius. An emperor they did not vote for. They were taught by Jesus to submit to soldiers who would COMPEL them (KJV, NKJV, RV), who would FORCE them (NASB, NAS95, NIV, RSV, NRSV, CSB, NET, ERV, RV), who would DEMAND (NLT) that they walk and carry their loads and assist them as unpaid porters, even labourers in building projects.
Is there a message in this text that applies to 21st century Christians? In this country, the land of the free and the home of the brave? Where we are often more concerned about individual and political rights—and control—than service to others?
Three times in the greater context of Mt 5.41, Jesus taught his followers to suffer wrong …
For a greater good. They were to endure slaps to the face. Forfeit their shirt. And go the second mile when conscripted by a soldier in the Roman army. Do not, in these situations, escalate wrong by responding in kind. Accept the duty. Accept the wrong. Immediately after teaching the disciples to endure hardships and indignity, he encouraged them to positively and overtly reach out to others for good. Give to those who ask. Lend to those who need. The message here, as often found in the teachings of Jesus; Do not seek to dominate, rule or control. Seek to serve others. Even if it costs you. And service to others always costs us.
Love your neighbour today.
It might cost you, but that’s okay.
You will be following Jesus in doing so.
Double love, Jody Apple
~ Kevin Cleary