Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: February 3 (Exodus 12; Psalm 31; Mark 10)
Date: February 3, 2026
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode continues the journey through the ESV Bible with a focus on three key passages: Exodus 12 (the first Passover and deliverance from Egypt), Psalm 31 (David's earnest prayer in distress), and Mark 10 (Jesus’s teachings on divorce, wealth, greatness, and healing). The episode maintains a devotional and reverent tone, offering direct Bible readings for reflection and spiritual encouragement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Exodus 12: The Passover and the Exodus (00:01–06:49)

• Institution of the Passover:
  God establishes the Passover as a new beginning for Israel, instructing each household to select a spotless lamb and mark their doors with its blood as a sign of protection (00:01).
  • Memorable moment: "The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you..." (01:36)
• Feast of Unleavened Bread:
  Outlines the seven-day feast, highlighting the need for separation from leaven (symbolizing purity and haste) and instructions for the generations to come (02:21).
• Act of Deliverance:
  God strikes down the Egyptian firstborns. Pharaoh relents, urging the Israelites to leave (03:23–04:27).
• Departure from Egypt:
  Israelites depart with haste, carrying unleavened dough and possessions given by the Egyptians—fulfillments of God's promises (04:28).
• Purpose and Perpetuity of Passover:
  Detailed instructions on who may partake in the Passover and the unity of the community under God's statute (05:54–06:49).
• Notable quote: "It was a night of watching by the Lord to bring them out of the land of Egypt. So this same night is a night of watching kept to the Lord by all the people of Israel throughout their generations." (05:52)

2. Psalm 31: David’s Prayer for Refuge and Justice (06:49–09:19)

• Personal Appeal for Deliverance:
  David seeks God's protection in his affliction, calling God his rock and fortress (06:49).
  • Notable quote: "Into your hand I commit my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God." (07:11)
• Expression of Distress:
  Honest lament about his sorrow, suffering, and alienation, yet fortifies his trust in God (07:31).
• Bold Declaration of Faith:
  David affirms God's goodness and encourages the faithful to "take courage" (09:11).
  • Memorable moment: "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord." (09:16)

3. Mark 10: Teachings on Marriage, Children, Wealth, and Service (09:23–end)

• On Marriage and Divorce:
  Jesus debates with Pharisees about divorce, citing God’s original intent for marriage and the seriousness of adultery (09:23–09:55).
  • Notable quote (Jesus): "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." (09:45)
• Welcoming Children:
  Jesus rebukes the disciples for turning away children and makes a profound statement about humble, childlike faith (09:56).
  • Memorable moment: "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." (10:13)
• The Rich Young Ruler:
  A man asks about eternal life; Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The man leaves sorrowful, leading to Jesus’s teaching about the difficulty for the wealthy to enter God's kingdom (10:20–11:18).
  • Notable quote: "How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!... With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God." (11:03–11:32)
• True Discipleship and Reward:
  Jesus promises blessings, persecutions, and eternal life to those who leave everything for Him, closing with the reversal of expectations ("many who are first will be last...") (11:33–11:53).
  • Memorable moment: "But many who are first will be last, and the last first." (11:53)
• Prediction of Jesus’s Death and Resurrection:
  Jesus foretells His suffering, death, and resurrection to the disciples (12:00).
• Servanthood as Greatness:
  Rebukes James and John’s ambition; teaches servant leadership (12:51).
  • Notable quote: "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (14:08)
• Healing Bartimaeus:
  The blind man persistently calls out to Jesus and is healed because of his faith (14:28–end).
  • Memorable moment: "What do you want me to do for you? ... Rabbi, let me recover my sight. ... Go your way; your faith has made you well." (14:53–15:12)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Exodus:
  • "The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you." (01:36)
  • "It was a night of watching by the Lord to bring them out of the land of Egypt." (05:52)
• Psalm:
  • "Into your hand I commit my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God." (07:11)
  • "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord." (09:16)
• Mark:
  • "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." (09:45)
  • "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." (10:13)
  • "How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! ... With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God." (11:03–11:32)
  • "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (14:08)
  • "Go your way; your faith has made you well." (15:12)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Exodus 12:1 – The Lord’s instructions for Passover begin (00:01)
• Exodus 12:14 – Passover as a memorial statute (02:20)
• Exodus 12:29 – The death of Egypt's firstborn (03:23)
• Exodus 12:51 – Israel is brought out of Egypt (06:40)
• Psalm 31 – David’s prayer and hope (06:49–09:19)
• Mark 10 – Jesus’s teachings in Judea (09:23)
  • On divorce and marriage (09:23–09:55)
  • Welcoming children (09:56)
  • The rich young man’s question (10:20–11:18)
  • Teaching about reward & discipleship (11:33–11:53)
  • Jesus’s prediction of his death (12:00)
  • James and John’s request & servant leadership (12:51–14:08)
  • Jesus heals Bartimaeus (14:28–end)

Conclusion

This episode highlights God's faithfulness and mercy through three major Scripture accounts: the institution of Passover and redemption of Israel, the vulnerability and steadfast faith of David, and Jesus’s radical teachings about the kingdom of God, true greatness, and faith. The readings encourage self-examination, worship, and trust in God's plan across all circumstances.