Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: February 26 (Leviticus 15–16; Psalm 53; Luke 17)
Date: February 26, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, the focus is on daily Bible readings from Leviticus chapters 15 and 16, Psalm 53, and Luke 17. The readings explore laws on ritual purity, the procedures for the Day of Atonement, the universal folly of denying God, and some of Jesus' key teachings on forgiveness, faith, gratitude, and the coming of God’s kingdom. The episode emphasizes themes of uncleanness and atonement in the Old Testament, the deep need for God’s mercy in the Psalms, and Christ’s call to radical faith and thankfulness in the New Testament.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Leviticus 15: Laws on Bodily Discharge and Ritual Cleanliness

[00:01 – 04:24]

• Ritual Impurity: Detailed instructions are given regarding bodily discharges for both men and women (e.g., chronic discharges, seminal emission, menstrual impurity).
• Impact on Community: Anyone or anything coming into contact with an unclean person becomes unclean until evening. This includes furniture, beds, and even vessels.
• Procedures for Cleansing: After the cessation of a discharge, rituals including bathing, waiting periods, and sacrifices (two turtledoves or pigeons) are required for full restoration.
• Purpose: These laws serve to separate Israel from uncleanness, protecting them from danger in God’s holy presence.
• Memorable Moment:
  • "Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness by defiling my tabernacle that is in their midst." – (04:22)

Leviticus 16: The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

[04:24 – 09:54]

• Context: God instructs Moses after the deaths of Aaron’s sons for coming unprepared into the Holy of Holies.
• Priestly Procedure: Aaron enters the Holy Place wearing special linen garments, bathes, and offers sacrifices for his own sins and those of all Israel.
• Two Goats:
  • Sin Offering: One goat is slain for the Lord.
  • Scapegoat (Azazel): The other has Israel’s sins symbolically placed upon it then released into the wilderness, bearing away the people’s iniquities.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • "Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities of the people of Israel and all their transgressions, all their sins. ... The goat shall bear all their iniquities on itself to a remote area." (07:48)
• Statute for All Time: The Day of Atonement is a perpetual institution; it cleanses Israel from all sin, granting Sabbath rest and renewal.
  • "It shall be a statute to you forever ... for on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you. You shall be clean before the Lord from all your sins." (09:51)

Psalm 53: The Universal Corruption of Mankind

[09:54 – 10:54]

• Human Folly:
  • "The fool says in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity. There is none who does good." (10:07)
• Universal Depravity: God looks upon humanity and finds none righteous, echoing a strong Old Testament affirmation of mankind’s need for divine salvation.
• Hope of Redemption:
  • "Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad." (10:40)

Luke 17: Forgiveness, Faith, Gratitude, and the Kingdom

[10:54 – 13:56]

• Sin, Forgiveness, and Responsibility: Jesus teaches that temptation is unavoidable, but warns against causing others to sin.
  • "Pay attention to yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. ... If he sins against you seven times in the day, ... you must forgive him." (11:12)
• Faith’s Power: Even a small amount of faith can yield miraculous results.
  • "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and plant it in the sea,' and it would obey you." (11:22)
• Humility in Service: After doing what is commanded, disciples should not expect special thanks:
  • "We are unworthy servants. We have only done what was our duty." (11:44)
• Ten Lepers Cleansed: Only a Samaritan returns to thank Jesus, highlighting gratitude beyond boundaries.
  • "Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (12:44)
• The Coming Kingdom: The Pharisees question about the timing of God's kingdom. Jesus explains it comes unobserved, being present "in the midst of you."
  • "The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed... For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you." (13:11)
• Final Days Warning: Jesus compares the end times to the days of Noah and Lot—life goes on until sudden judgment falls.
  • Notable Moment:
    • "Remember Lot's wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it." (13:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Leviticus:

  • "Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness by defiling my tabernacle that is in their midst." (04:22)
  • "The goat shall bear all their iniquities on itself to a remote area." (07:48)
  • "For on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you. You shall be clean before the Lord from all your sins." (09:51)

• Psalm:

  • "The fool says in his heart, there is no God. ... There is none who does good, not even one." (10:07)
  • "Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! ... Let Israel be glad." (10:40)

• Luke:

  • "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. ... You must forgive him." (11:12)
  • "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed... it would obey you." (11:22)
  • "We are unworthy servants. We have only done what was our duty." (11:44)
  • "Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (12:44)
  • "The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed... For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you." (13:11)
  • "Remember Lot's wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it." (13:49)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Leviticus 15: Laws of Purity — 00:01–04:24
• Leviticus 16: Day of Atonement — 04:24–09:54
• Psalm 53 — 09:54–10:54
• Luke 17: Jesus’ Teachings — 10:54–13:56

This episode combines intricate Old Testament ritual details with powerful New Testament teachings, providing a holistic perspective on God's expectations for purity, the ongoing human need for atonement, and the radical grace and faith introduced through Christ. Whether you are following along with the ESV Bible in a year or reflecting on these passages anew, the readings powerfully highlight the connections between God’s holiness, human frailty, and ultimate redemption.