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 neighbour^(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 neighbour 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 neighbour as yourself.’^[a](H)

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