Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry Episode: February 18, 2025
Scriptures Covered: Leviticus 1; Psalm 45; Luke 9

Introduction

In the February 18th episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry," hosted by Crossway, listeners embark on a journey through selected passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. This episode features readings from Leviticus 1, Psalm 45, and Luke 9, providing a comprehensive glimpse into sacrificial practices, royal poetry, and the teachings of Jesus during His ministry. While the transcript primarily consists of scripture readings without additional commentary, the structured presentation offers listeners an opportunity to delve deeply into each passage.

Old Testament Reading: Leviticus 1

Overview: Leviticus 1 outlines the procedures for burnt offerings, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice in the relationship between the Israelites and God. These offerings were a means for the people to atone for their sins and express their devotion.

Key Points:

• Types of Offerings: The chapter details offerings from livestock, including bulls, sheep, goats, and birds, each requiring a male without blemish.
• Sacrificial Process: The process involves bringing the animal to the entrance of the tent of meeting, laying hands on its head, slaughtering it before the Lord, and the priests handling the blood and specific body parts.
• Atonement and Pleasing Aroma: The burnt offering serves as atonement for the individual and is described as a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord, symbolizing acceptance and devotion.

Notable Quotes:

• “You shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or from the flock. If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish.” [00:12]
• “The priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.” [02:15]

Psalm Reading: Psalm 45

Overview: Psalm 45 is a royal psalm that celebrates the coronation of a king, highlighting his majesty, righteousness, and the blessings bestowed upon him by God. It serves as both a celebration and a prophetic glimpse into the ideal kingly virtues.

Key Points:

• Royal Majesty: The psalmist describes the king's splendor, strength, and righteous leadership, portraying him as an exemplar of divine favor.
• God's Blessing: Emphasizes that the king is anointed with the oil of gladness, indicating God's blessing and approval.
• Eternal Reign: The psalm declares that the king's throne is established forever, underscoring the enduring nature of his rule.
• Call to Honor: Encourages the court and the people to honor and submit to the king, recognizing his God-ordained authority.

Notable Quotes:

• “You are the most handsome of the sons of men. Grace is poured upon your lips, therefore God has blessed you forever.” [02:31]
• “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.” [04:10]
• “Therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.” [06:45]

New Testament Reading: Luke 9

Overview: Luke 9 captures pivotal moments in Jesus' ministry, including the calling of the twelve apostles, the feeding of the five thousand, Peter's confession of Christ, the Transfiguration, and teachings on discipleship and humility.

Key Points:

• Calling the Twelve: Jesus empowers and sends out the apostles with authority to heal and preach, emphasizing reliance on God's provision.
• Feeding the Five Thousand: Demonstrates Jesus' compassion and divine ability to provide, as He miraculously feeds a large crowd with five loaves and two fish.
• Peter's Confession and Transfiguration: Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Christ of God, followed by the Transfiguration where Jesus' divine glory is revealed alongside Moses and Elijah.
• Teachings on Discipleship: Jesus instructs on the cost of following Him, highlighting self-denial, taking up the cross, and prioritizing the kingdom of God over worldly attachments.
• Humility and Greatness: Encourages humility by using a child as an example, teaching that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in being the least.

Notable Quotes:

• “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money, and do not have two tunics.” [09:15]
• “For whoever would save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” [22:10]
• “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.” [35:45]
• “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” [44:20]

Conclusion

The February 18th episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" offers a rich tapestry of scripture readings that traverse the Old and New Testaments. From the detailed sacrificial rituals in Leviticus 1 to the royal celebration in Psalm 45, and the profound teachings and miracles in Luke 9, listeners are invited to reflect deeply on the themes of sacrifice, kingship, discipleship, and humility. This episode serves as a meaningful installment in the year's journey through the Bible, encouraging both study and personal application of these timeless scriptures.