Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Host: Crossway
Episode Date: February 18, 2026
Episode Scripture: Leviticus 1, Psalm 45, Luke 9

Episode Overview

This episode continues the daily journey through the ESV Bible, with selected readings from Leviticus, Psalms, and Luke. The episode’s theme centers on sacrifice, kingship, and what it means to follow Jesus—moving from Old Testament instruction on offerings, to poetic praise of a divine king, to the challenges and revelations encountered by Christ and His disciples.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Leviticus 1: Laws of Burnt Offerings

[00:01-02:14]

• The chapter lists instructions God gives Moses for burnt offerings, covering livestock, sheep, goats, and birds.
• The offering must be “a male without blemish”—a sign of devotion and purity in worship.
• The ritual involves personal participation (“He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering…to make atonement for him.” [00:18]).
• Detailed care is described in preparation: washing, flaying, burning every part as “a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.”
• The reading underscores the importance placed on atonement and holiness in approaching God.

2. Psalm 45: A Royal Love Song

[02:14-04:12]

• A psalm of celebration, addressed as a “love song” to the king.
• The king is described with both majesty and divine blessing:
  • “Grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.” [02:45]
  • “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.” [03:12]
• Imagery of royal splendor: robes fragrant with spices, music from ivory palaces, and queens arrayed in gold.
• The princess is honored and led joyfully to the king, signifying blessing and hope for future generations:
  • “I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations…” [04:07]
• The psalm highlights God’s enduring rule, uprightness, and the joy of His people.

3. Luke 9: Jesus’ Authority, Mission, and The Cost of Discipleship

[04:12–end]

a. Sending of the Twelve & Ministry [04:16–05:34]

• Jesus empowers and sends the twelve disciples to preach, heal, and rely on God.
• Instructions emphasize simplicity and faith:
  • “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money, and do not have two tunics.” [04:30]
  • Outreach is to be persistent but not coercive—leave if not received, “shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony.” [04:42]

b. Herod’s Perplexity [05:35]

• Herod is troubled by Jesus’ fame and rumors of prophetic return or resurrection.

c. Feeding the Five Thousand [06:01–06:55]

• The miraculous feeding from five loaves and two fish:
  • “They all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.” [06:52]
• Reveals Jesus’ compassion and divine provision.

d. Peter’s Confession & Jesus’ Prediction of His Death [06:56–07:55]

• Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” [07:09]
• Peter declares: “The Christ of God.” [07:12]
• Jesus immediately predicts suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection, stressing the paradox of saving/losing life for His sake.

e. The Cost of Discipleship [07:57–08:28]

• Jesus sets a demanding standard:
  • “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” [07:59]
  • Warns against seeking worldly gain at the expense of the soul.
  • “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed.” [08:16]

f. The Transfiguration [08:29–09:55]

• Jesus’ divine glory is revealed before Peter, John, and James:
  • “The appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.” [08:41]
  • Conversation with Moses and Elijah about his imminent departure.
  • God’s voice from the cloud:
    • “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” [09:01]
• The moment is awe-inspiring and mysterious; the disciples keep silent about it.

g. Healing the Demon-Possessed Boy [10:00–10:34]

• Jesus rebukes a faithless generation, heals a tormented boy, and everyone marvels.
  • “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you?” [10:07]

h. Jesus Again Predicts His Death [10:35]

• Direct warning:
  • “Let these words sink into your ears…” [10:45]
• Disciples fail to grasp the meaning and are afraid to ask.

i. True Greatness & Inclusion [10:55–11:42]

• Jesus—in response to rivalry—elevates humility and childlike acceptance:
  • “For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” [11:07]
• Broadens inclusion:
  • “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.” [11:21]

j. Rejection by Samaritans, Mercy Over Judgment [11:43–11:56]

• Jesus rebukes disciples eager for retaliation, showing commitment to mercy over vengeance.

k. Following Jesus: Radical Commitment [11:57–end]

• Recruits warn that following him is strenuous and requires singular devotion:
  • “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” [12:01]
  • “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” [12:32]
• The radical demands of discipleship are plain—personal priorities and comforts must yield to the call of God’s kingdom.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Leviticus:

  • “He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.” ([00:18])
  • “A burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.” ([01:43])

• Psalm:

  • “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.” ([03:12])
  • “I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.” ([04:07])

• Luke:

  • “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money…” ([04:30])
  • “You give them something to eat.” ([06:18])
  • “Who do you say that I am?” / “The Christ of God.” ([07:09–07:12])
  • “Let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” ([07:59])
  • “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” ([09:01])
  • “For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” ([11:07])
  • “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” ([12:32])

Important Timestamps

• Leviticus 1 reading: [00:01–02:14]
• Psalm 45 reading: [02:14–04:12]
• Luke 9 reading: [04:12–end]
  • Sending of the Twelve: [04:16]
  • Feeding the Five Thousand: [06:01]
  • Peter’s Confession: [07:09]
  • Transfiguration: [08:29]
  • Healing of Demon-Possessed Boy: [10:00]
  • True Greatness: [11:07]
  • Call to Discipleship: [12:01]

Episode Tone & Closing Reflection

The episode maintains a reverent, contemplative tone—allowing Scripture to speak for itself, without interjection or commentary. Each passage builds on the theme of commitment to God, from the details of ritual sacrifice, to the majesty of Israel’s king, to Jesus’ call to self-denial and whole-hearted devotion. The episode invites the listener to consider both the cost and the hope inherent in following the Lord.