Jesus teaches: “Should anyone press you into service for one mile,* go with him for two miles” [Matthew 5:41]. When Jesus spoke these words, the country was under Roman occupation, and the law allowed Roman soldiers to compel Jewish civilians to carry their luggage or heavy armour for one Roman mile – about 1.45 kilometres. After carrying the luggage for one mile, the unlucky civilian could legally drop the load and refuse to carry it further. Jesus was alluding to this Roman practice. 

Going the extra mile is a firm commitment and willingness to do more than one is required to do. Terry Lees investigates what is required of us in this present day, when we too are called to go the extra mile.