Podcast Summary

Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: February 14 (Exodus 33–34; Psalm 41; Luke 5)
Host: Crossway
Date: February 14, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, listeners journey through three Scripture passages—Exodus 33–34 (God’s renewed promise and covenant with Israel), Psalm 41 (a prayer for mercy and blessing in adversity), and Luke 5 (Christ’s early miracles and call to discipleship). The readings center on themes of God’s presence, mercy, covenant faithfulness, and Jesus’ call to sinners, offering a vivid blend of Old and New Testament perspectives on grace and transformation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Exodus 33–34: God’s Presence, Mercy, and Covenant Renewal

(00:01–08:23)

• God’s Reluctance and Mercy:
  • God instructs Moses to lead Israel to the promised land but says He will not go with them directly due to their continuing disobedience.
    • "Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people." (00:36)
  • The people mourn this potential loss of God’s presence and remove their ornaments in repentance.
    • "When the people heard this disastrous word, they mourned... Therefore the people of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments from Mount Horeb onward." (00:46)
• The Tent of Meeting:
  • Moses establishes a place outside the camp to meet with God. The Lord’s presence is visibly with Moses.
    • "The Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." (01:44)
• Moses’ Appeal for God’s Presence:
  • Moses intercedes, declaring that only God’s presence distinguishes Israel.
    • "If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us..." (02:33)
  • God agrees to accompany Israel, promising rest and confirming Moses’ unique favor.
• God’s Glory and Name:
  • Moses asks to see God’s glory; God passes by but shields Moses from direct sight.
    • "I will make all my goodness pass before you... but you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live." (03:07)
  • God proclaims His character—a pivotal Old Testament self-description:
    • "The Lord, the Lord, a God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness..." (04:03)
• Renewal of the Covenant and Commandments:
  • God renews His covenant, reiterates commandments, and warns them not to compromise by making covenants with the land’s inhabitants.
  • Moses spends 40 days and nights on Sinai, receives the new tablets, and comes down with his face shining from encountering God.
    • "When Moses came down from Mount Sinai... the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God." (07:43)

2. Psalm 41: Blessing, Betrayal, and Trust in God

(08:24–09:31)

• God’s Favor Toward the Merciful:
  • "Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble, the Lord delivers him." (08:24)
  • The psalmist affirms God’s protection, restoration (even in sickness), and faithfulness even amidst false friends and enemies.
• Personal Plea and Declaration:
  • David laments betrayal—“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” (09:19)
  • He closes with gratitude and a benediction extolling God’s eternal rule.
    • "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen." (09:28)

3. Luke 5: Calling Disciples and Revealing Jesus’ Authority

(09:31–end)

• Calling the First Disciples (Simon Peter, James, John):
  • Jesus teaches from Simon’s boat and commands a miraculous catch of fish.
    • "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." (09:54)
    • After the catch, Peter’s awestruck confession—“Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” (10:21)
    • Jesus’ call—“Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” (10:39)
• Healing Miracles and Authority to Forgive Sins:
  • Jesus heals a man with leprosy through touch and compassion.
    • "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean."... "I will; be clean."* (10:55)
  • A paralyzed man is lowered through the roof; Jesus first forgives his sins, startling the religious leaders.
    • “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” (11:37)
    • Jesus affirms His divine authority by healing the man—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” (12:02)
• Call of Levi (Matthew) and Jesus’ Mission:
  • Levi leaves everything to follow Jesus, hosting a feast for tax collectors and sinners.
  • The Pharisees question Jesus’ habits; He replies:
    • "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (12:36)
• Parables of the New and the Old:
  • Jesus explains the need for new structures to contain new realities—“No one puts new wine into old wineskins…” (13:07)
  • His teaching hints at the radical, transforming nature of His gospel.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• God’s Reluctance and Grace:
  • “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” (03:19)
• Moses’ Radiance:
  • “The skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” (07:44)
• Peter’s Humility and Jesus’ Commission:
  • “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” – Simon Peter (10:21)
  • “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” – Jesus (10:39)
• Jesus on Grace:
  • “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (12:38)
• Authority to Forgive:
  • “But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” (12:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 – Start of Exodus 33–34: God’s presence and Moses’ intercession
• 04:03 – God’s self-revelation to Moses: “The Lord, the Lord, merciful and gracious…”
• 07:43 – Moses’ radiant face after speaking with God
• 08:24 – Start of Psalm 41: Blessings for the merciful and the experience of betrayal
• 09:31 – Start of Luke 5: Miraculous catch of fish; call of Simon Peter
• 10:21 – Peter’s confession of sinfulness and Jesus’ call to discipleship
• 10:55 – Healing of the leper
• 11:37 – Healing and forgiveness of the paralyzed man; claims of blasphemy
• 12:36 – Jesus’ declaration of His mission to save sinners
• 13:07 – Parable of the new wine and fresh wineskins

Tone & Language

The episode maintains a reverent tone, letting the gravity and hope of Scripture stand front and center. The language is scriptural and solemn, with moments of awe and directness, especially in Moses’ dialogues with God and Jesus’ clear call to unlikely followers.

Conclusion

This episode brings together vivid aspects of God’s interaction with humanity: His holy presence, justice, and gracious willingness to renew covenant; the psalmist’s experience of affliction and faithfulness; and the radical generosity of Christ, who calls ordinary, sinful people and powerfully brings forgiveness and healing. The passages invite reflection on God’s mercy, the need for a transformed heart, and the wonder of Jesus’ invitation to follow Him.