“Going the extra mile” has become an expression used to describe anyone willing to do more than what is expected of them. It is based on Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, where he instructs his followers on how to treat evil and angry people. They will turn the other cheek, and hand over the coat off their back. Then, when they are forced to go one mile, they will gladly walk two (Matthew 5:41).

This appears to be a reference to a military practice of the day. Officers serving Rome were allowed to commandeer a person to help them carry their pack as they traveled. They could force anyone to help them for up to a mile. The Jewish people hated this law as it showed their subjugation to Rome. Jesus tells us followers to “go above and beyond” the legal requirements and go an extra mile.

For Jesus, we are to serve others in ways that go beyond the law and often the realms of acceptable practice. And his followers today must understand this more than a historical phrase. It means Christians are to be people who consistently go above and beyond expectations in their actions, today and every day.  

Sweeping the floors, picking up trash, emptying full trash cans, and removing them would be one example. Moving furniture and helping someone relocate items are other examples. Assisting a person in maintaining their house or yard can be helpful. Offering a ride and being willing to pay for the gas without complaint might be another way to serve.

I could list dozens of ideas here, but you get the picture. Jesus’ followers are people who “go the extra mile” even when no literal miles are involved.