Why Believers Should Go the Extra Mile

Have you ever worked for an unfair boss? Or worked with others who only did the bare minimum? In life, there are times we might wonder if going above and beyond is worth it. Let’s take a look at what Jesus said about going the extra mile. 

In Matthew 5:39-41, Jesus says, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”

Jesus addresses three unfair situations in this section of The Sermon on the Mount; being slapped, sued, or forced to walk a mile. Getting slapped or sued are obvious examples of unpleasant treatment, but the forced mile requires cultural and historical context. 

During His life, Jesus ministered to people under Roman rule. Under such rule, a Roman soldier could legally force a Jew to carry their gear for one mile. They would put stones (5280 feet) on each end of the driveway. If you didn’t walk all the way to the edge with the heavy gear, you could be imprisoned. 

The word ἀγγαρεύσει (angareusei) is only used this one time in the New Testament when Jesus talks about walking the Roman Mile. Angareusei means “compelled to go” or “forced to go.” Why would Jesus tell people to go beyond what they were forced to do? 

The Power of Choice

The Romans may have wanted to keep the Jews in their place as a dominated group. It’s always disheartening when your choice is taken away. But Jesus gives the power of choice back to the people. They get to choose to turn something demeaning into something dignifying. 

But when you go above and beyond, you don’t just fulfill a requirement; you deliver excellence—not as a reflection of the demand but as a reflection of your character. Chick-fil-A Chairman Dan T. Cathy says, “The first mile is about what’s expected. The second mile is about what’s unexpected.” 

Faithful in Your Calling

No matter if you work in fast food, healthcare, or are a stay-at-home mom, going the second mile is a way of honoring God with your calling and assignment. Colossians 3:23-24 says, 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” 

Jesus gives the Jews an opportunity to demonstrate faithfulness to God even through difficult seasons and assignments. In a situation where the Jews may have felt an obligation to Roman rule in the first mile, but the second mile proves their allegiance to God. 

Reflecting the Character of Jesus

Because Jesus lived a counter-culture life, He often did and said things that were unexpected. He often went against the grain and challenged societal norms. In Jesus’ instruction to go the extra mile, He is giving His disciples (and us today) an opportunity to reflect His character. 

1 John 2:6 says, “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.”

Jesus led a selfless life of humility and service. He extended forgiveness to those who betrayed Him and mercy to those who felt judged. When He was mistreated, He didn’t retaliate in bitterness or rage.

The second mile doesn’t make sense to those who live according to the world’s value system. But for those who want to follow Jesus, going the extra mile is a way to stand out from the world and emulate the character of our Savior.

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