Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: January 27 (Genesis 49–50; Psalm 24; Mark 3)

Date: January 27, 2026
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

In this episode of “Through the ESV Bible in a Year,” listeners continue the journey through Scripture with readings from Genesis 49–50, Psalm 24, and Mark 3. The readings encompass Jacob’s prophetic blessings on his sons before his death, the emotional aftermath involving Joseph and his brothers, the majestic declaration of God’s sovereignty in Psalm 24, and significant moments in the early ministry of Jesus—highlighting healing, opposition, and the calling of the twelve apostles.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Genesis 49–50: Jacob's Final Blessings and the Deaths of Jacob and Joseph (00:01–17:15)

• Jacob’s Prophetic Blessings to His Sons
  • Jacob gathers his sons to foretell their futures (00:01).
  • Each son receives a unique prophecy reflective of their character and destiny (see Notable Moments below for standout prophecies).
• Jacob’s Death and Burial
  • Jacob instructs his sons to bury him in the ancestral cave of Machpelah, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah are interred (17:00).
  • A grand Egyptian and Israelite company accompanies Joseph to Canaan to bury Jacob (17:40).
  • The location is so deeply mourned, the Canaanites remark on the Egyptians' public grief, naming the site Abel Mizraim (18:30).
• Joseph’s Brothers and the Fear of Retaliation
  • After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers fear retribution for selling him into slavery (20:00).
  • They plead for forgiveness, referencing their father’s wishes (20:20).
  • Joseph offers reassurance and forgiveness, trusting in God’s sovereignty:
    “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive…” (Joseph, 20:45)
• Joseph’s Closing Years
  • Joseph remains in Egypt, seeing his great-grandchildren (22:00).
  • He makes the Israelites promise to carry his bones to Canaan when God delivers them (22:40), then passes away at 110 (23:00).

2. Psalm 24: The Supreme Kingship of God (23:30–25:10)

• Declaration that the earth belongs to the LORD, affirming God’s sovereign rule (23:30).
• Describes the qualities of those who may stand in God’s presence: “He who has clean hands and a pure heart…” (24:10).
• Repeated command for the gates and doors to lift up for the “King of glory” to come in:
  “Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle.” (24:50)

3. Mark 3: Jesus' Healing, Calling of the Apostles, and Confrontation with Accusers (25:15–34:15)

• Healing on the Sabbath
  • Jesus heals a man with a withered hand in the synagogue, exposing the Pharisees’ hypocrisy regarding Sabbath laws (25:20).
  • “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” (Jesus, 25:40)
• Rising Conflict
  • The Pharisees join with the Herodians to plot against Jesus (26:40).
• Ministry Expands
  • Large crowds pursue Jesus, eager for healing; unclean spirits declare him “the Son of God,” but he silences them (27:05–28:10).
• Appointing the Twelve Apostles
  • Jesus formally appoints the twelve, granting authority to preach and cast out demons (29:00).
    • Apostles include Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
• Misunderstanding and Accusations
  • Jesus’ own family tries to intervene, thinking him “out of his mind” (30:10).
  • Scribes accuse Jesus of demonic possession; in response, Jesus speaks of the impossibility and self-defeating nature of Satan casting out Satan (31:00), stating:
    “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand…” (Jesus, 31:15)
  • Strong warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit:
    “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin…” (Jesus, 32:40)
• Redefining Family
  • When told his mother and brothers are seeking him, Jesus declares:
    “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” (Jesus, 33:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Genesis 49–50

• “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” — (Jacob, 06:45)
• “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” — (Joseph, 20:45)

Psalm 24

• “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? … He who has clean hands and a pure heart...” — (Psalmist, 24:10)
• “Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.” — (Psalmist, 24:50)

Mark 3

• “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” — (Jesus, 25:40)
• “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” — (Jesus, 31:15)
• “Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” — (Jesus, 33:45)

Important Timestamps

• 00:01: Jacob’s blessings and prophecies to his sons.
• 17:00: Jacob’s burial instructions and his death.
• 20:00: Joseph’s brothers seek his forgiveness; Joseph’s reassurance.
• 23:30: Psalm 24 reading—The King of glory.
• 25:20: Jesus heals on the Sabbath (Mark 3).
• 29:00: Appointment of the Twelve Apostles.
• 31:00: Jesus’ response to accusations of demonic power.
• 33:45: Jesus redefines the family of God.

Episode Takeaways

• God’s promises pass through generations, with his sovereignty, forgiveness, and redemption on display from Jacob to Joseph.
• Psalm 24 elevates God as King over all and challenges listeners to pursue purity and seek His face.
• Jesus’ ministry in Mark 3 illustrates compassion, authority, opposition, and inclusivity, with forgiveness extended but boundaries set for blasphemy against the Spirit.
• The definition of God’s family extends to all who desire to do His will.

Listeners are invited to reflect on the continuity of God’s promises, the gravity of forgiveness, and the radical call to follow Jesus as part of his true spiritual family.