Article June 20, 1959 Issue

THE SECOND MILE

VERNON H. BLAIR

In ancient times a civilian was often compelled by a Roman soldier to carry his impedimenta on demand. Our wise Master, Christ Jesus, was probably referring to this familiar custom in his Sermon on the Mount and very possibly surprised many listeners in his audience when he said (Matt. 5:41), "Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain." Here was strange counsel indeed! Why should anyone want to go beyond the point of absolute requirement or offer to do more than duty demanded?

Jesus strongly advocated the practice of doing more than is actually required by mere obligation or duty. Throughout his earthly ministry, as recorded in the New Testament, the great Way-shower constantly advised his followers that they must exceed the standard of righteousness maintained by the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees.

He urged them to love more universally, to give alms more munificently, and to pray more effectively than popular convention prescribed. If they were to achieve the rewards which attend a more spontaneous expression of goodness, they must advance beyond the limited, stereotyped methods of the self-righteous priests and traverse the second mile of voluntary, unenforced service in love.

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