Matthew 5:41

Monday, 16 December 2024

And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Matthew 5:41

“And whoever, he shall mobilize you one mile, you go with him two” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples that if someone sued for his tunic, he should send him his cloak, meaning his outer garment, as well. Now, He gives more of such direction, saying, “And whoever, he shall mobilize you.”

The Greek word aggareuó, translated as mobilize, is used. It is derived from the Aramaic word iggerah, a letter. That, in turn, was from a word of Persian origin. Because it means a letter, the word then refers to a courier.

However, it was not uncommon in the ancient world, and quite notably within the Roman empire, for those in authority to compel civilians to accomplish tasks, such as carrying their equipment and so forth.

In the Persian empire, this was often done by mounted couriers. Thus, the connection to a letter is made. These couriers would mobilize others, requisition their horses, etc. Because of this, the word became synonymous with compelling others to do something. As noted, the Romans would enlist civilians to carry their equipment. In this case, Jesus says it is for “one mile.”

This is the Greek word million, a mile. That, in turn, is from the Latin mille, meaning thousand. The Roman mile was set at 5,000 Roman feet or 1,000 paces. A pace was defined as the distance from the toe of the back foot to the heel of the front foot, which the Romans estimated to be about the same length as a foot. The modern mile is a bit longer than the Roman mile.

Jesus, using this standard known in Israel because it fell within the Roman Empire, says that when one is so mobilized, “you go with him two.”

Like the other examples, it is a means of extending oneself to someone who has mistreated you. In such a case, Jesus directs the person to extend himself beyond what is meted out, expected, or would otherwise seem offensive. The purpose is to bring attention to the wrongdoing by setting a differing example in going beyond what is expected.

Life application: In the case of humanity in the presence of God, we have done what is inappropriate and offensive in His eyes. What one should expect is what is justly deserved, meaning condemnation.

However, God sent Jesus to provide salvation. And He did this from the very beginning, at least in the sense that He promised One would come who would restore man to His presence. Those of faith were known as sons of God because of their faith.

That has not changed except in the fact that we are now looking back on the coming of Jesus. Those of the past were looking forward. Either way, what pleases God is that we demonstrate faith in His word. As His word points to Jesus, this is what He expects us to believe.

God truly has gone the extra mile for humanity. He not only sent Jesus, but He also allows us to reject Jesus without being condemned at that moment. Instead, as long as we live and breathe, His offer stands. Only when the walk of life is finished is our opportunity up.

God is currently carrying your load because He has sent Jesus. His patience will not run out until you expire. If you do so without Jesus, your eternal destiny will then be set. Consider this and call out, by faith, to Jesus today. 

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8, 9

O God, we pray for those who have turned down Jesus in the past. We lift them up to You, praying that their eyes will be opened and their hearts will turn to You through Him. Hear our prayers for our loved ones, friends, and associates who so desperately need Your offer of peace and reconciliation. Amen.