Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode Date: February 19, 2026
Readings: Leviticus 2–4; Psalm 46; Luke 10

Episode Overview

This episode continues the journey through the Bible in a year with daily selected readings. Today’s passages cover:

• The regulations for grain, peace, and sin offerings in Leviticus (2–4)
• A psalm of confidence and divine security (Psalm 46)
• The mission of the 72 disciples, Jesus’ teaching on true neighborliness through the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10)

The episode provides a rich look at the sacrificial system, faith amid crisis, and the call to love God and neighbor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Leviticus 2–4: The Sacrificial System and Atonement

• Grain Offerings (Leviticus 2) [00:01–03:40]

  • Offerings are to be made with fine flour, oil, and frankincense.
  • Strict instructions exclude leaven and honey and stress the use of salt:
    • “You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering.” (02:38)
  • Altars are a place for a "pleasing aroma to the Lord," indicating God’s acceptance of proper worship.

• Peace Offerings (Leviticus 3) [03:41–07:50]

  • Sacrifices require animals “without blemish” and involve the ritual laying on of hands and the sprinkling of blood.
  • Repeated emphasis that “All fat is the Lord’s,” and “you eat neither fat nor blood” as an enduring statute.

• Sin Offerings (Leviticus 4) [07:51–17:40]

  • Instructions for sin committed unintentionally by priests, leaders, or individuals.
  • The process includes animal sacrifice, manipulation of blood (sprinkling before the veil, application to altar horns), and careful burning or disposal of remains—often “outside the camp.”
  • The core principle repeated: “And the priest shall make atonement for them, and they shall be forgiven.” (15:59)

2. Psalm 46: God as Refuge and Strength [17:41–19:38]

• Confidence in God:
  • “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (17:45)
  • Encourages a steadfast spirit, even if “the earth gives way...the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.”
  • Notable refrain:
    • “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress, Selah.” (18:48, 19:37)
  • God’s sovereignty over chaos: “He makes wars cease...He breaks the bow and shatters the spear.” (19:01)
  • Memorable instruction:
    • “Be still, and know that I am God.” (19:13)

3. Luke 10: Mission, Mercy, and Discipleship [19:39–End]

• Sending of the 72 (Luke 10:1–16) [19:39–23:54]

  • Jesus sends out 72 in pairs, instructing them to bring peace, heal, and proclaim,
    • “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” (22:33)
  • Warning to non-receptive towns, referencing Sodom, Tyre, and Sidon.
  • Spiritual authority conferred:
    • “I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions...nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (23:18, 23:44)

• Jesus’ Prayer of Praise (Luke 10:21–24) [23:55–24:52]

  • Jesus rejoices that God reveals truths to “little children” rather than “the wise and understanding.”
  • Privilege of discipleship:
    • “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.” (24:46)

• The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) [24:53–29:08]

  • A lawyer tests Jesus: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (25:00)
  • The commands:
    • “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart...and your neighbor as yourself.” (25:22)
  • Jesus tells of a priest and Levite passing by an injured man, then a Samaritan offering mercy and aid.
    • Key quote:
      • “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor…? The one who showed him mercy. And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’” (28:50)
  • Emphasizes seeing need and responding with compassion regardless of status or ethnicity.

• Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38–42) [29:09–End]

  • Mary sits at Jesus’ feet; Martha is “distracted with much serving.”
    • Martha expresses frustration: “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” (29:36)
  • Jesus gently corrects her:
    • “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (30:16)
  • Highlights the value of attentive discipleship over anxious busyness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On offerings:

  • “You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering.” (Leviticus 2:13, 02:38)

• On God’s protection:

  • “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1, 17:45)
  • “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10, 19:13)

• On mission:

  • “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few… therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2, 20:26)
  • “Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20, 23:44)

• On love and mercy:

  • “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27, 25:22)
  • “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37, 28:57)

• On listening to Jesus:

  • “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.” (Luke 10:41, 30:16)

Segment Timestamps

• Leviticus 2–4: Offerings and Atonement – 00:01–17:40
• Psalm 46: Refuge and Strength – 17:41–19:38
• Luke 10: Mission and Parables – 19:39–31:04 (approximate end)

Summary

This episode interweaves Old Testament sacrificial instructions with a psalm of reassurance and pivotal events from Jesus’ ministry, centering the theme of God’s presence, mercy, and call to wholehearted love and practical compassion. The sacrificial laws highlight God’s holiness and the importance of atonement; Psalm 46 reminds listeners of God’s stability in turmoil; and Luke 10 challenges believers to be actively merciful and attentive to Jesus’ words, embodying faith in action and devotion.