Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode Date: February 15, 2026
Readings: Exodus 35–36 · Psalm 42 · Luke 6
Host: Crossway (Readings presented, not discussion-based)
Episode Overview
This episode continues the journey through the Bible in one year, featuring readings from Exodus 35–36 (detailing the Sabbath and the building of the Tabernacle), Psalm 42 (a cry of longing and hope towards God), and Luke 6 (Jesus’ teaching on the Sabbath, the Beatitudes, and foundational parables). The episode’s purpose is to immerse listeners in daily Scripture, connecting themes from Old and New Testaments with the Psalms as spiritual reflection.
Key Readings and Insights
1. Exodus 35–36: Community, Generosity, and God-Given Skills
Timestamp: 00:01–07:36
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Sabbath Rest:
Moses gathers the Israelites, reminding them about the sanctity of the Sabbath.
Quote: “Six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord.” (00:04) -
Call for Offerings:
Moses calls for voluntary contributions of materials for building the Tabernacle. The emphasis is on a generous and willing heart:
Quote: “Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord’s contribution.” (00:10) -
Skill for Worship:
Specific artisans are highlighted: Bezalel and Aholiab are filled with “the spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship” (00:51), enabling them to lead the construction and teach others. -
Overflowing Generosity:
The people are so generous that Moses has to ask them to stop bringing offerings:
Quote: “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” (06:27) -
Tabernacle Construction:
The passage details the making of curtains, frames, coverings, and veils for the Tabernacle. Skill, unity, and artistic beauty—all in obedience to God’s command—are emphasized.
2. Psalm 42: Spiritual Thirst and Hope in God
Timestamp: 08:09–09:30
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Desperate Longing:
The psalmist expresses deep longing for God:
Quote: “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (08:09) -
Suffering and Questioning:
The repeated refrain—“Why are you cast down, O my soul?...Hope in God, for I shall again praise him,” (08:34 and 09:26)—captures both the pain of distance from God and an insistence on hope. -
Vivid Imagery of Distress:
Quote: “Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.” (08:55) -
Trust Amid Adversity:
Despite being taunted and afflicted, the psalmist clings to God as the source of salvation and steadfast love.
3. Luke 6: Sabbath, Jesus’ Authority, and Radical Teaching
Timestamp: 09:33–End (~15:00)
a. Lord of the Sabbath
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Controversy Over the Sabbath:
Jesus’ disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, sparking conflict with the Pharisees. -
Jesus’ Authority:
Quote: “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (09:39) -
Sabbath Healing:
Jesus heals a man’s withered hand, asking, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” (10:05). The healing provokes anger among religious leaders.
b. Calling the Twelve Apostles
- Selection After Prayer:
Jesus spends all night in prayer before choosing his twelve apostles by name (10:52).
c. The Beatitudes and Woes
- Blessings for the Oppressed:
Quote: “‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.’” (11:25) - Warnings to the Comfortable:
Quote: “‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.’” (12:09)
d. Ethics of the Kingdom
- Radical Love:
Quote: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (12:19) - Golden Rule:
Quote: “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (12:37) - Non-retaliation and Generosity:
Teaching on offering the other cheek, giving generously, and forgiving others (12:31).
e. Parables and Warnings
- Blind Leading the Blind:
Caution against hypocrisy and the importance of self-examination (13:15). - Good Fruit and Foundations:
Quote: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good…For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (14:24) Quote: “He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock…” (14:34)
The parable contrasts the wise who build on Christ’s teachings and the fool who ignores them.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Exodus on Generosity:
“The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” (06:27) -
Psalm 42’s Cry:
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him.” (08:34, 09:26) -
Jesus’ Challenge:
“The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (09:39)
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (12:19)
“For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (14:24) -
Memorable Imagery:
“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.” (08:09)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Sabbath and Offerings (Exodus): 00:01–06:56
- Tabernacle Construction Details: 06:56–07:36
- Psalm 42 Reading: 08:09–09:30
- Luke 6 Start: 09:33
- Sabbath Controversy & Healing: 09:33–10:52
- Choosing the Twelve: 10:52–11:25
- Beatitudes & Woes: 11:25–12:19
- Radical Love & Golden Rule: 12:19–13:20
- Parables & Foundations: 13:20–End
Conclusion
This episode guides listeners through three pivotal Scripture passages, connecting laws of Sabbath and giving, the soul’s honest struggle for hope, and the radical teachings of Jesus. Each segment builds on the theme of obedience, faithfulness, and the transformative power of God’s presence and commands. The readings challenge and encourage, inviting reflection on generosity, dependence on God, and how Christ’s teachings are meant to redefine every aspect of life.