And whosoever shall compel you to go one mile, go with him two.
The Roman law allowed Roman soldiers to press citizens of conquered countries into their service. A soldier could demand that a citizen carry his goods for a mile. It was the law.
As we might expect, this law created constant hostility and hatred on the part of the citizen and the soldier. When the mile was finished the citizen walked away swearing vengeance. He lived for the day when the soldier would get the reward which he deserved. At the same time, the soldier continued to despise the citizen.
Jesus told his disciples to break this pattern of legalism and hatred. He asked them to carry the goods a second mile, even though the law did not require it. The first mile was required, the second was a gift. It was a gift of grace. It was an example of overcoming evil with good.
When the second mile was completed, the attitudes of both parties became different than the norm. The disciple was pleased that he had handled the situation the way Jesus wanted, with "good works." The soldier was left scratching his head and wondering why anyone would do what he had just observed. It would be difficult for him to despise someone who had just given him a free and unsolicited gift. He probably wanted to ask questions about what had happened.
This is an example of the lifestyle of grace. It is about treating others with agape. The concept is very simple, but very profound. The disciples of Jesus were taught to bless those around them in undeserved ways. Legalism said to treat persons as they deserved: good to the good and hate to the hateful. Jesus said just the opposite. Become a person of grace.
His instructions to us are still the same. We are to be people of grace.
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