Matthew 5:41- And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him two.
During the time of the Roman Empire, Roman soldiers could force those subjugated to them to carry their armor, gear, and belongings for a mile. If you were a Jew during that time, you could be required by a Roman to carry his baggage. Jesus tells His listeners to not only carry the baggage for one mile, but with a pure and loving heart, be willing to go two miles.
As Christians, we are called to be a people of excellence and not of mediocrity. I once heard a great preacher say, "Grace does more than the law." How true that is! To be obedient merely out of obligation, causes us to complain, do the minimum, and not give our best. Jesus instructs us to follow His example, and do all things in love, with a pure heart before God and man.
When love is our motivator, we will find ourselves joyfully putting forth the extra effort to help others, forgive our enemies, and be excellent.
Grace does not give us a license to disobey God's commands.
Matthew 5:19-Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men to do so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
As we grow in our love for God, obedience follows. Jesus said that those who love him are to keep his commandments. (John 14:15)
Notice that obedience flows from a heart condition- love for the Lord. This does not mean that we will not ever make a mistake. However, a pure heart will not purpose to sin against God, nor try to manipulate Him.
Most Pharisees tried their best to follow the laws, but they did not have a heart of love toward God. The result was self-righteousness. They looked righteous, talked righteous, and seemed righteous to the public, but their hearts were hard and wicked.
Matthew 5:20-For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
In this scripture, Jesus shows the necessity of going the extra mile. He lets us know that it is not enough to merely act righteous, talk righteous, and appear righteous to others. Our inner attitude of the heart must be dealt with first.
We cannot "make" ourselves righteous by works or obedience. Christ's righteousness is imputed to the believer by the power of His blood. Jesus' sacrifice allows us to be seen as righteous before the Father. After a heart has been surrendered to the Lord, righteous conduct, pure speech, and modesty will follow. As our love and hunger for God grows, we will begin to change. Because we love the Lord, we will despise sin and grow in faith and obedience.
Here are some examples of how grace requires the inner purity of our hearts and exceeds the demands of the law:
Matthew 5:21-22-Ye have heard that it was said...THOU SHALT NOT KILL... But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without cause shall be in danger of the judgment.
Matthew 5:27-28- Ye have heard that it was said...THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery already with her in his heart.
With hearts of love, we want to bless God and be a blessing to others. Here is a practical example: Rather than merely tithing ten percent like the Pharisees, love tithes and then gives, and gives, and gives. We can become cheerful in all that we do for the Lord. We can expect God to do great things through us.
God sees our hearts. (1 Sam. 16:7) It is His plan to make us vessels of honor. He wants to beautify and restore us for His use. If our hearts are pure and willing before God, He will make us excellent by His power and might.
2 Timothy 2:21-22- If a man therefore cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, set apart, and useful for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
