Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: February 25 (Leviticus 14; Psalm 52; Luke 16)
Date: February 25, 2026
Host: Crossway

Overview

This episode offers a journey through three Bible passages: Leviticus 14, which details laws about cleansing leprosy; Psalm 52, a reflection on the contrast between evil and God’s steadfast love; and Luke 16, which delivers Jesus’ teachings on wealth, faithfulness, and the fate of the rich and poor in the afterlife. Each reading invites the listener to reflect on the themes of purification, trust, and eternal consequences.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Leviticus 14: Laws of Cleansing (00:01–07:36)

• Cleansing from Leprosy (00:01)

  • The Lord lays out an extensive cleansing ritual for the leprous person, conducted by a priest, involving sacrificial birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop.
  • Ritual symbols: washing, shaving, being declared clean, and re-entry into the camp after seven days of waiting and more purification.
  • Sacrifices required for those who could afford them: two male lambs and one ewe lamb, unleavened flour, and oil.
  • Accommodations for the poor: one lamb, a reduced grain offering, and birds (turtledoves or pigeons) as alternatives.

• Cleansing Houses from Leprosy (05:14)

  • If a house is suspected to have 'leprous' disease (mildew/contamination), priests inspect, quarantine, and remove affected materials.
  • If unrecoverable, the house is destroyed.
  • Atonement ritual resembling that for individuals is conducted if the house is healed.

• Key Insight:

  • God’s concern isn’t only ceremonial but communal and practical—purity extends to spaces, not just individuals, aiming to maintain health and holiness in all of Israel.

2. Psalm 52: A Song of Contrasts (08:01–08:54)

• Highlighting the Arrogance of the Wicked vs. God’s Steadfast Love

  • David addresses a “mighty man”—Doeg the Edomite—who “boasts of evil” and “plots destruction like a sharp razor” (08:01).
  • Quote (08:04):
    “The steadfast love of God endures all the day.”
  • The wicked trust in wealth and lies; the righteous, like a “green olive tree in the house of God,” trust in God’s enduring love (08:33).
  • Psalm ends in gratitude and waiting in God’s presence.

• Key Insight:

  • The Psalm contrasts the fleeting nature of evil with the eternal, sustaining love of God, inviting listeners to trust Him above all.

3. Luke 16: Wisdom with Wealth & The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (08:54–end)

• The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (08:57)

  • Jesus tells of a manager facing dismissal who uses crafty means to secure his future.
  • Quote (09:18):
    “The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd... than the sons of light.”
  • Jesus teaches to “make friends... by means of unrighteous wealth... they may receive you into the eternal dwellings” (09:40).
  • Emphasis on faithfulness in small matters, warning that unfaithfulness in little things excludes one from greater trust (10:01).

• You Cannot Serve God and Money (10:19)

  • “No servant can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and money.” (10:21)
  • Pharisees ridicule, but Jesus exposes their hearts and declares that what is exalted among men is “an abomination in the sight of God.” (10:35)

• Teaching on the Law, Divorce, and Adultery (10:55)

  • Jesus upholds the authority of the Law, adding a note on divorce and adultery (10:57).

• The Rich Man and Lazarus (11:05)

  • Story of a rich man living in luxury and a poor beggar, Lazarus, suffering at his gate.
  • Roles are reversed after death: Lazarus is comforted by Abraham; the rich man suffers, unable to receive relief or send warning to his brothers.
  • Quote (12:10):
    “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.”

• Key Insights:

  • Jesus offers a sharp critique of materialism and self-justification.
  • Echoes the need for humility, compassion, and reliance on God’s Word—not signs or miracles—for true repentance.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Cleansing and Restoration:
  • “Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field.” (00:49)
• On True Security:
  • “The steadfast love of God endures all the day.” (08:04, Psalm 52)
• On Wealth and Faithfulness:
  • “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much...” (10:01)
  • “You cannot serve God and money.” (10:21)
• On the Futility of Signs Without Faith:
  • “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” (12:10)

Structure, Timestamps & Flow

• Leviticus 14 – Laws of Cleansing: 00:01–07:36
  • Cleansing rituals for individuals and houses
  • Special provision for the poor
• Psalm 52 – Why Do You Boast of Evil?: 08:01–08:54
  • Contrast between the wicked and the righteous
  • Trusting in God’s love
• Luke 16 – Parables and Teachings of Jesus: 08:57–end
  • The shrewd manager, lessons on faithfulness
  • Serving God vs. money
  • The rich man and Lazarus; warnings about ignoring God’s Word

Tone and Takeaway

The episode’s tone is reverent and contemplative, drawing directly from Scripture without added commentary. The readings invite the listener to ponder themes of cleansing and restoration (Leviticus), trust in God’s love over material gain (Psalm), and the ultimate consequences of one’s choices regarding wealth, faith, and compassion (Luke). The Scriptures urge faithfulness, humility, and a true reliance on God’s word as the foundation for life and eternity.