Going the Extra Mile - Essay Example

Full Going the Extra Mile The correct interpretation of the scriptures can be closely attained through close observations of the theme, context and audience of the text. For instance, Matthew 5:38-41, an excerpt from the Sermon on the Mount, shows a very short teaching on the golden rule. He introduced his teaching with the words, “You have heard it said”, referring to the Old Testament texts in Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20 and Deuteronomy 19:21 which give people the permission to avenge themselves to those who wrong them.

The texts were not just familiar during the Old Testament period but also during the time of Jesus so that He talked in such a manner and goes on to encourage his listeners to listen to what he says. His idea that followed is contrary to what he mentioned that was popularly known and accepted- not an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth but that if an evildoer strikes someone on the right cheek, he should turn the other. Jesus was not trying to make another commandment contrary to what was given in the Old Testament, but as he claimed in Matthew 5:17, he came to fulfill the law.

Jeremiah confirms Jesus’ words in Lamentations 3:30 saying, “Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him.” The concept Jesus was offering was not new however, it was lesser known than the justifiable concept of retaliation mentioned earlier. Jesus was advocating non-violent reactions in contrast to the eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth reaction. Moreover, he encourages people to give their cloaks as well when someone sues them and tries to take their coat. The coat is the inner garment used by the Israelites while the cloak is an outer garment (Attridge, 1677) which they also use for sleeping.

Exodus 22:26-27 and Deuteronomy 24:12-13 shows that a cloak used as a pledge by borrowers should be returned before the sun sets because it is essential for him during the night. Furthermore, Jesus advises to go an extra mile if one is forced to go one mile. Those who are in position oftentimes asked too much from their subordinates and rebellion could be an easy reaction for most but, Jesus recommended doing more than what is asked, instead. Similarly, Jesus counseled giving to everyone who begs and not to deny borrowers.

Beggars seemed common during the time of Jesus and these were usually the sick and incapacitated like the beggar at the gate called Beautiful (Acts 3:1-10) or the widows and orphans. Jesus told the people to do what he was about to exemplify during his crucifixion. As he told them to turn the other cheek to those who hit them, Jesus allowed himself to be hit without retaliating. When he was asked to walk Golgotha, he walked carrying his cross. When he was crucified, the soldiers took all his clothes, except his undergarment and they cast lots for it (John 19:24).

Ultimately, he offers forgiveness and love to all the poor in spirit and opened his Father’s kingdom to them that receive him. Jesus did not just preach what he wanted the people to do rather he showed them what and how to do things when he walked to his death in Calvary. Jesus showed what humility, patience, forgiveness, love and benevolence could do. Reference Attridge, Harold W. ed. Harper Collins Study Bible. USA: Harper Collins Publisher, 2006. Print.