The common sermon, at this point (I grabbed these two paragraphs from this one) makes it clear that Jesus’ point was and is that we must relinquish our “rights” in order to advance God’s kingdom through sacrificial service — an idea captured well in a paraphrase of Matthew 5:41: “And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life” (The Message).

The common sermon is, roughly, right… but it totally misses something really deadly, really dangerous and shocking image in this passage.

Roman soldiers were forbidden to marry. There was a reputation (deserved or not) that continues to this day that a Roman soldier was, if you will, a sexual risk – and Jewish ideas about gentiles and forbidden sex furthered this image. Being left alone with this guy was dangerous. I have to admit that “oh, that’s ok, I’ll stay with you another mile, sir…” sounds like a come-on. Why would you tell your followers that they should go not just the required one mile but even volunteer for two?

Even if this is not an “authentically Jesus” statement (I know some want to doubt such things) the implied content – given the cultural perception of the soldiers – is very interesting. I think this, taken alongside the Centurion and his Boy (more here), also in the Matthew Gospel, brings us some interesting images to think about.