Interpretation asks what the passage communicates in its literary and historical setting. The conversation in Luke 10 concerns love for God and neighbor. The example of the Samaritan challenges the questioner through a person he might not expect to be an example of faithful love.

Jesus ends by asking who became a neighbor to the wounded man. His question directs attention toward practicing mercy rather than narrowing the circle of people who deserve it.

Read the surrounding passage and relevant earlier Scripture. Avoid turning every object in a parable into a hidden symbol when the context does not support that reading.

Reflect

How does Jesus’ final question help you identify the main point?

Pray

Lord, help me understand your teaching in its context.

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