The Primary Commands

²⁸ One^(A) of the scribes^(B) approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which command is the most important of all?”

²⁹ Jesus answered, “The most important^[a] is Listen, Israel! The Lord^(C) our God, the Lord^(D) is one.^{[b] 30} Love^(E) the Lord your God^(F) with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind,^(G) and with all your strength.^{[c][d](H) 31} The second is, Love your neighbor^(I) as yourself.^[e](J) There is no other command^(K) greater than these.”

³² Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, teacher. You have correctly said that he is one, and there is no one^(L) else except him.^{(M) 33} And to love^(N) him with all your heart, with all your understanding,^[f] and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”^(O)

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

²⁵ Then^(A) an expert in the law^(B) stood up to test^(C) him, saying, “Teacher,^(D) what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ^(E)

²⁶ “What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?”

²⁷ He answered, “Love the Lord your God^(F) with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,”^(G) and “your neighbor as yourself.”^[a](H)

²⁸ “You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.”^(I)