Roman soldiers were given the authority to force any person in their kingdom to carry their heavy soldier kit weighing about 30 kg for one mile. Lord Jesus Christ taught: “And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” (Matthew 5:41) By obeying the person walks four miles extra as counted both ways.
1) Mandatory Vs Voluntary: The first-mile walk is compulsory. The mind is filled with resentment, anger, and even bitterness. The second-mile walk transforms the inner person, indeed therapeutic. Voluntary work is not a burden, but a joyful service.
2) Slaves walk Vs Free walk: The person endured the shameful walk as a slave for the first mile. Now, in the second mile, he does it on his own will or decision. Hence honorable service to the soldier.
3) Duty Vs Love: The first-mile walk is an obligation, mandatory, and expected to be completed. Mostly half-hearted shabby work. However, love effort is done well with interest and even excitement.
4) Happy soldier and confused soldier: The soldier is very happy that his burden is relieved and relaxed. Now, the hapless victim is willingly carrying the load and walking the second mile. He thinks: “Is this fellow trying to trap me, and complain falsely against me?”
5) Obeying slave and listening soldier: The slave as he walked listened to the Roman soldier’s haughty talk about his great valor, war accomplishments, the greatness of Rome…etc. In the second mile, as a disciple, he could magnify God and present the gospel.
6) Ordinary citizen Vs Kingdom citizen: Roman soldier sees this man as an ordinary citizen of a mean country or a slave. In the second mile, he learns that the Kingdom citizens are different and superior morally and spiritually.
7) Will of man Vs Will of God: The burden bearer is doing the will of a Roman Soldier or its Emperor. In the second mile, he is doing the Will of God, which is good, pleasing, and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Do I joyfully offer second-mile service?