Extra Mile

As I was reading the account of Jesus crucifixion the other day in Matthew 27 the verse of Simon from Cyrene stuck out to me.  I thought about this unknown and unsuspecting character who became famous for carrying the cross of Jesus. 

32 Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. 
Matthew 27:32

Simon was forced to carry the cross and because of the Roman law we know that a Roman soldier could force any non-Roman citizen to carry his baggage for a mile.  So no one was surprise when Simon was asked to carry the cross. Simon didn't have a choice in the matter, he knew the law and did what was asked of him. I am pretty confident at that moment that Simon was not thinking, "Wow, what an opportunity for me to take my place in history and be remembered as the guy who carried the cross for Jesus!"  He was forced to carry the cross and we recognize his contribution to the historical event even today.  

Then I remembered the teaching of Jesus when he said, "If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles."   (Matthew 5:41) Just think if Simon was honored by carrying Jesus' cross because he was forced to carry it, how much more will we be honored if we choose to carry the Roman soldier's baggage two miles.  What does that look like today? 

- when someone who has a need we can meet we don't just do the minimal, we do the extravagant
- when someone needs a new pair of pants we buy them two
- when someone needs someone to talk to we schedule a second opportunity to meet with them

In our busy lives we tend to do the minimum and hope it is enough, but Jesus says go the extra mile!