Have you ever heard of the second mile? We find the story in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus says here: “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”
The people of that time suffered under Roman rule. High taxes were imposed, and they had to live under foreign laws. They believed they had three options at the time:
1. To conform – they followed the laws and rules of the Romans.
2. To leave – they moved to areas that were not under Roman control.
3. To fight back – some joined the violent resistance movement against the Roman occupation.
But Jesus confronted them with a fourth option: “Serve those who hate you. Forgive those who do you wrong. Do not allow yourselves to be served, but serve others. Do not seek retribution or revenge, but forgiveness and kindness.” Jesus gave them a new idea here: the second mile.
Members of the Roman troops could legally force Jewish citizens to carry their luggage for one mile (1.6 km). One command was enough to force them to drop everything and go.
Now Jesus says: “Do more than is required of you. When you have gone one mile, don’t stop, but go the second mile.”
What does that mean for you? What would the second mile look like in your everyday life? If, for example, your mother asks you to empty the dishwasher. You could do it as quickly as possible and run straight back to playing. However, you could also go the extra mile and do more than your mother asks. You could load the dishwasher with dirty dishes again. Or you could wipe down the dining table.
And you know what? Suddenly it becomes fun! Because you do it willingly and gladly. Going the extra mile now brings you joy, even before your mother can praise you.
Do you want to be one of those children who go the second mile? Start today, and you will see how God will bless you with joy.
Jessica Müller
Pforzheim, Germany
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