Being "Of Christ" Means Going the "Second Mile"

In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus preached,

“You have heard that it was said, “˜An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

This sermon explores the historical and cultural background behind the principle of the “second mile.” It establishes what Jesus’ original audience would have thought of this teaching. And from a variety of practical points-of-view, it investigates what the modern “second mile” looks like for today’s kingdom citizen.