Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: February 11 (Exodus 28; Psalm 38; Luke 2)
Date: February 11, 2026
Host: Crossway

Overview

In this episode, listeners journey through three scripture readings: Exodus 28 (the instructions for priestly garments), Psalm 38 (a psalm of repentance and suffering), and Luke 2 (the birth and early life of Jesus). The episode’s purpose is to immerse listeners in the daily rhythm of Bible reading, drawing attention to the unfolding story of God’s interaction with humanity—from the priesthood in Exodus to the birth and mission of Christ in Luke, with the honest cries of Psalm 38 setting a devotional tone.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Exodus 28: Instructions for Priestly Garments (00:01)

• Priestly Calling: Aaron and his sons (Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar) are set apart from Israel to serve as priests (00:05).
  • "Bring near to you Aaron your brother and his sons with him from among the people of Israel to serve me as priests…" (00:03)
• Purpose of Garments:
  • “Make holy garments for Aaron… for glory and for beauty.” (00:09)
  • The garments serve to consecrate the priests, distinguishing their sacred role (00:13).
• Materials and Symbolism:
  • The garments are constructed from precious materials: gold, blue, purple, scarlet yarns, fine linen—each signifying holiness and God’s glory (00:15).
• Ephod and Breastpiece:
  • The ephod carries two onyx stones, engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, as “stones of remembrance” (00:27).
    • “Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders, for remembrance.” (00:32)
  • The breastpiece holds 12 stones bearing the names of the tribes, worn “over Aaron’s heart” as he enters the holy place, symbolizing the high priest’s mediating role (00:48).
  • "Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the Lord regularly." (01:02)
• Other Elements:
  • Robe of blue, bells, pomegranates, and a golden plate inscribed “Holy to the Lord” on the turban (01:10-01:35).
  • Garments for Aaron’s sons emphasize the themes of “glory and beauty” (01:42).

Memorable Moment:
The repeated emphasis on the garments being for “glory and beauty” highlights the connection between outward appearance and inward consecration.

2. Psalm 38: A Psalm of David (02:05)

• Lament and Confession:
  • David pleads: “O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.” (02:07)
  • Physical and emotional suffering are seen as consequences of personal sin: “There is no health in my bones because of my sin.” (02:13)
• Burden of Sin:
  • His guilt is described as overwhelming: “For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.” (02:17)
• Isolation and Enemies:
  • The psalmist is abandoned by friends and family, beset by adversaries: “My friends and companions stand aloof… and my nearest kin stand far off.” (02:33)
• Patient Hope and Repentance:
  • Despite suffering, he waits for God’s answer: “But for you, O Lord, do I wait. It is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.” (02:48)
  • He openly confesses: “I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.” (02:58)
• Closing Plea:
  • A humble cry for help: “Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” (03:10)

Notable Quote:
“I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.” (02:58)

3. Luke 2: The Birth and Early Life of Jesus (03:18)

• Nativity Story:
  • The Roman census leads Joseph and pregnant Mary to Bethlehem (03:21).
  • Jesus is born in humble circumstances, “wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid... in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (03:27)
• Shepherds and Angels:
  • Angels appear to shepherds, proclaiming:
    “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy… For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (03:38)
  • The shepherds rush to find Jesus, spread the news, and return “glorifying and praising God.” (03:55)
• The Presentation in the Temple:
  • Mary and Joseph fulfill the Law by presenting Jesus at the temple (04:05).
  • Simeon’s Prophecy:
    • Simeon, led by the Spirit, recognizes Jesus:
      “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace… For my eyes have seen your salvation…a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (04:19)
    • He foretells Jesus’ impact and Mary’s sorrow:
      "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel... and a sword will pierce through your own soul also." (04:28)
  • Anna’s Thanksgiving:
    • Anna, the aged prophetess, gives thanks and tells others about Jesus as the “redemption of Jerusalem.” (04:35)
• Jesus’ Childhood:
  • The family returns to Nazareth; Jesus grows in strength, “filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.” (04:41)
  • At age twelve, Jesus lingers in the temple, amazing the teachers (04:49).
    • Mary’s distress: “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” (04:55)
    • Jesus’ reply: “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (04:57)
  • Jesus returns with his family, remaining obedient, and “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” (05:01)

Notable Quotes:

• “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy…” —Angel to Shepherds (03:38)
• “My eyes have seen your salvation… a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” —Simeon (04:19)
• “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” —Jesus (04:57)

Memorable Moment:
Mary’s reflective response:
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (03:56 & 05:02)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01 – Exodus 28 reading: The garments, role, and ordination of the priests
• 02:05 – Psalm 38: Lament, confession, and plea for salvation
• 03:18 – Luke 2: The nativity, shepherds, temple prophecies, and Jesus as a boy

Conclusion

This episode draws listeners into the heart of the biblical narrative—God’s holiness (Exodus), humanity’s need for forgiveness (Psalm), and Christ’s fulfillment as Savior (Luke). The readings weave together themes of consecration, repentance, and redemptive hope, inviting reflection and anticipation as the yearlong journey through Scripture unfolds.