Extra Mile

“And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”

Go the extra mile! That’s the mantra and strategy of so many who exceed. Every player you watched on the field during last nights game has spent their lives going the extra mile. That’s how Rihanna—whether her half time show was your cup of tea or not—has had so many chat topping hits. Go the extra mile is the motivational message for most employers. It’s the urging of parents as it relates to our kids schooling. Go the extra mile—it’ll take you places. Why? Because most people don’t. Most won’t. Easy and convenient are the values of the day. So stand out. Be different. Make yourself invaluable by working harder and doing more.

Even Jesus seems to say this, right? For three weeks you have likely heard portions of the sermon on the mount during worship. Next week is Transfiguration Sunday and we turn the page on Jesus’ most famous teaching lecture. But I wanted to lift up one more element of this.

Go the extra mile.

In reality, Jesus wasn’t trying to tell you how to get ahead in this simple instruction. He wasn’t talking about a heightened work ethic. Jesus' command to go the second mile was about dignity. It’s about your dignity.
Has your dignity been challenged, tarnished, or taken? Have you been belittled?

This was a daily occurrence for the Jewish people of Jesus’ day.

He shared these words to a people that were living in a specific time and a particular circumstance. Namely, the Jews were living as an occupied and conquered people. The Roman’s were in charge. As such, they enacted a law that was across the entire Roman Empire. At any point and for any reason a Roman citizen or soldier could compel a non citizen (a Jew in this case) to carry their baggage for one mile. It was a reminder of Roman’s oppression. A not so subtle way to say I am above you. Or, more painfully, you are beneath me. It was psychological warfare over a conquered people. It robbed people of their dignity.

So what does Jesus do? He restores your dignity. The law was strict, but also clear. One mile. That was the limit. They were forced to carry and walk for one mile only.

So Jesus says walk two. Go beyond the requirement because it is now your choice. In the second mile you reclaim your humanity. You take control. You find your dignity. You reclaim your voice.

That second mile is filled with power.

This works today as well. In a world that still plays power games and all kinds of messages that tell us you are beneath me, going the extra mile gives you a voice.

Loving enemies and turning the cheek are beautiful ways to diffuse challenging circumstances and people. But, carrying their stuff for longer than necessary—this is your super power.

It flips things around. What was meant to remind you of your lower place becomes the very way you live out a higher calling and identity.

Go the extra mile this week. Not because you want to work hard and get ahead. Go further as a way to remind yourself, and others, that your identity and your worth are declared over you by the One who died for you.

And, if the Son of God was willing to shed his blood so that you could be with Him--well, just maybe the voice and words of others don't hold as much power as we allow them to each day.

Jesus restores your dignity. His voice matters more. And, for Him, you are worthy.

You, my dear friend, are worthy.

So, get walking so you might believe it.