Jesus is alluding to a common practice of Roman soldiers in occupied territory. These soldiers had the legal right to conscript/commandeer a civilian to carry a burden for them. 1 An example of this elsewhere in the New Testament is when Simon of Cyrene is conscripted to carry the cross of Jesus (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21). The practice was despised by the Jewish people of Jesus’ day. 2
41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.