Answer:
First, consider the structure and emphasis of the passage. I would like to start with the structure or the way in which my passage is divided into different sections of verses that operate together.
Of course, the way we look for the structure depends a little on the type of text. If I am looking for a narrative, the plot and the characters are useful. Find the stage, the highlight and the purpose. If I am looking for a sermon or letter, I will look for a flow of ideas with a logical point. If I am looking for poetry, I will try to identify the different stanzas and begin to summarize them.
We understand the section of the Bible where I am, always, always, I look for the words and ideas that are repeated. A literal translation would be useful here. The diagnostic question that I would like to use is: "How is the author organizing the passage?" And once he begins to elaborate a structure I ask myself the emphasis that is being revealed through this structure.
CONTEXT
Second, consider the context. No passage in the Bible exists on its own. Instead, each text is part of an argument, story or collection of passages that has been organized on purpose by the author. What is before and after my passage is important and will help me understand what is in my passage. It can help to realize the topic that the author is talking about. You can help me see a larger section in my book. It can provide a useful correction of something that I have been misinterpreting in my passage. You can even help me understand the historical situation of the first audience.
The key is context. And my diagnostic question is: "Why does the author put this passage here, in this place in the book?"
THEME OF THE BOOK
Because of what I just mentioned about the context, it only makes sense to expand everything and ask about the book. What is the author's agenda with this book?
Of course, it takes some work to really understand the subject of an entire book. However, I think it is an important step that we must ask: "How is it that my passage - especially that emphasis I find in the structure - relates to this major theme of the entire book?"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
In Luke 24: 13-49, Jesus teaches that all Scripture points to his death and resurrection, and the results of this gospel are repentance and forgiveness of sins. If we do not understand this, we run the risk of interpreting a passage only morally or separately from the gospel in some way.
Therefore, it is important to use all the tools of theology (especially biblical theology) to ask: "How is my passage related to the gospel?" Of course, there are many ways to do this wrong. So, it is important that we make legitimate connections between our text and the gospel.
