March 6 (Numbers 1; Psalm 61; John 1)

Summary

Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: March 6 (Numbers 1; Psalm 61; John 1)
Host: Crossway
Date: March 6, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode presents daily scripture readings as part of the year-long journey through the ESV Bible, featuring passages from Numbers 1 (Old Testament), Psalm 61, and John 1 (New Testament). The primary themes this day are the organization and calling of God’s people (Numbers), heartfelt prayer and trust in God’s protection (Psalm), and the profound introduction of Jesus as the Word made flesh (John). The readings emphasize God’s faithfulness, the significance of calling and identity, and the unparalleled role of Christ.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Numbers 1: The Census and Organization of Israel

[00:00 – 06:16]

• Divine Command for Organization:
  God instructs Moses in Sinai to take a census of all able-bodied men in the tribes of Israel, age 20 and up, for purposes of military duty, signifying readiness and preparation for what lies ahead in the journey to the promised land.

  • “Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel... every male, head by head, from 20 years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war.” (Narrator/Reader, 00:03–00:26)

• Tribal Structure and Leadership:
  Each tribe is represented by a leader, highlighting communal structure and leadership responsibilities within Israel.

  • “You and Aaron shall list them company by company, and there shall be with you a man from each tribe, each man being the head of the house of his fathers.” (Narrator/Reader, 00:27–00:36)

• Detailed Census:
  The reader lists each tribe, repeating how each group includes “every man... able to go to war” and providing precise numbers (e.g., Judah 74,600; Dan 62,700).

  • “Those listed of the tribe of Judah were 74,600.” (Narrator/Reader, 02:45)
  • “All those listed were 603,550.” (Narrator/Reader, 05:08)

• Distinct Role of the Levites:
  Levites are excluded from the census since their calling is to care for and guard the tabernacle, set apart for spiritual rather than military service.

  • “Only the tribe of Levi you shall not list... appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony and over all its furnishings... They shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle.” (Narrator/Reader, 05:09–05:53)

• Summary of Obedience:
  The passage ends with a confirmation that Moses and the Israelites obeyed all the Lord’s commands.

  • “Thus did the people of Israel. They did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses.” (Narrator/Reader, 06:22)

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2. Psalm 61: A Cry for Refuge and Assurance

[06:23 – 07:06]

• Prayer for Guidance and Strength:
  David implores God for protection during a time of distress, seeking refuge and elevation above troubling circumstances.

  • “Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (John the Baptist, 06:23–06:29)

• Trust in God’s Faithfulness:
  The psalm expresses trust in God’s steadfast love, His protection as a “strong tower,” and the promise of lasting inheritance for those who fear Him.

  • “Let me dwell in your tent forever. Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings.” (John the Baptist, 06:33–06:36)
  • “You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.” (John the Baptist, 06:40)

• Praise and Commitment:
  David vows to praise God continually, linking prayer with ongoing devotion.

  • “So will I ever sing praises to your name as I perform my vows day after day.” (John the Baptist, 07:02)

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3. John 1: The Word, John the Baptist, and Calling of Disciples

[07:07 – 11:05]

• Theological Foundation:
  The opening verses of John declare the divinity and pre-existence of Jesus, calling him the “Word,” the source of life and light.

  • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John the Baptist, 07:11)
  • “All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John the Baptist, 07:13–07:15)
  • “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John the Baptist, 07:16)

• Incarnation and Revelation:
  The “Word became flesh” is a foundational Christian affirmation, and Jesus is described as “full of grace and truth.” John bears witness to Him as the embodiment of God’s glory.

  • “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John the Baptist, 07:28–07:32)
  • “No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is at the Father's side, He has made Him known.” (John the Baptist, 07:41)

• John the Baptist’s Witness:
  John the Baptist distinguishes himself from the Christ, Elijah, or “the prophet,” emphasizing his preparatory role.

  • “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.” (John the Baptist, 08:59)
  • “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know.” (John the Baptist, 09:07)
  • “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John the Baptist, 09:41)

• Recognition of Jesus and Call to Discipleship:
  Key moments follow as John points out Jesus, and the first disciples begin to follow Him. Their early confessions of faith introduce themes of discovery and invitation.

  • “‘Rabbi, where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and you will see.’” (John the Baptist, 10:42–10:44)
  • “We have found the Messiah (which means Christ).” (John the Baptist, 10:50)
  • “‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’” (John the Baptist, 11:00)
  • “‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’” (Nathanael, 11:04)

• Promise of Greater Revelation:
  Jesus assures that those who believe will see even more profound manifestations of God’s presence.

  • “‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’” (Jesus, 11:07)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s Sovereign Organization:
  “Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel... all in Israel who are able to go to war.” (Narrator/Reader, 00:03–00:26)
• On the Distinct Call of the Levites:
  “Appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony... they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle.” (Narrator/Reader, 05:12–05:53)
• Prayer for Refuge:
  “Let me dwell in your tent forever. Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings.” (John the Baptist, 06:33–06:36)
• The Divine Nature of Christ:
  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John the Baptist, 07:11)
• Incarnation:
  “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.” (John the Baptist, 07:28)
• Identity of Jesus:
  “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John the Baptist, 09:41)
• Invitation to Follow:
  “‘Come and you will see.’” (Jesus, 10:44)
• Affirmation of Faith:
  “‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’” (Nathanael, 11:04)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Numbers 1 (Census, Tribal Structure, Levites): 00:00–06:16
• Psalm 61 (Prayer for Refuge and Endurance): 06:23–07:06
• John 1 (The Word, John the Baptist’s Witness, Calling Disciples): 07:07–11:05

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This day’s reading sets a firm foundation: God’s people are counted and organized, their worship is prepared, faith is voiced amid adversity, and the Gospel proclaims the cosmic and personal significance of Jesus as the incarnate Word—inviting followers to come, see, and believe.

Transcript

[Narrator/Reader]

A reading from the Book of Numbers.

The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the Tent of Meeting on the first day of the second month and the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying, Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel by clans, by fathers, houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by Head, from 20 years old

and upward, all in Israel who are

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war.

[Narrator/Reader]

You and Aaron shall list them company by company, and there shall be with you a man from each tribe, each man being the head of the house of his fathers.

And these are the names of the

men who shall assist you. From Reuben, Elizar, the son of Shadir. From Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zuroshaddai. From Judah, Nashon the son of Amminadab. From Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar. From Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon. From the sons of Joseph, From Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud. And from Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Padazzar. From Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni. From Dan, Aiezer, the son of Ammishaddai. From Asher, Pagiel the son of Okran. From Gad, Eliasaph the son of Dual from Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enant. These were the ones chosen from the congregation, the the chiefs of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the clans of Israel.

Moses and Aaron took these men who

had been named, and on the first day of the second month they assembled the whole congregation together, who registered themselves by clans, by fathers houses, according to the number of names, from 20 years old and upward, head by head. As the Lord commanded Moses, so he listed them in the wilderness of Sinai. The people of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from 20

years old and upward, all who were

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war.

[Narrator/Reader]

Those listed of the tribe of Reuben were 46,500 of the people of Simeon, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses, those of them who were listed according to the number of names, head by head, every male from 20

years old and upward, all who were

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war.

[Narrator/Reader]

Those listed of the tribe of Simeon were 59,300 of the people of Gad, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses, according to the number of

the names from 20 years old and

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

upward, all who were able to go

[Narrator/Reader]

to war, those listed of the tribe of Gad were 45,650 of the people of Judah, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from

20 years old and upward every man

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war.

[Narrator/Reader]

Those listed of the tribe of Judah were 74,600 of the people of Issachar, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from

20 years old and upward every man

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war.

[Narrator/Reader]

Those listed of the tribe of Issachar were 54,400 of the people of Zebulun, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from

20 years old and upward every man

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war.

[Narrator/Reader]

Those listed of the tribe of Zebulun were 57,400 of the people of Joseph, namely of the people of Ephraim, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from

20 years old and upward every man

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war.

[Narrator/Reader]

Those listed of the tribe of Ephraim were 40,500 of the people of Manasseh, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from

20 years old and upward every man

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war.

[Narrator/Reader]

Those listed of the tribe of Manasseh were 32,200 of the people of Benjamin, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from

20 years old and upward every man

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war.

[Narrator/Reader]

Those listed of the tribe of Benjamin were 35,400 of the people of Dan, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from

20 years old and upward every man

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war those listed

[Narrator/Reader]

of the tribe of Dan were 62,700 of the people of Asher, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from

20 years old and upward every man

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war.

[Narrator/Reader]

Those listed of the tribe of Asher were 41,500 of the people of Naphtali, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from

20 years old and upward every man

[Chorus/Responsive Reader]

able to go to war.

[Narrator/Reader]

Those listed of the tribe of Naphtali were 53,400. These are those who were listed whom Moses and Aaron listed with the help of the Chiefs of Israel, 12 men each representing his father's house. So all those listed of the people of Israel by their fathers houses from

20 years old and upward every man

able to go to war in Israel. All Those listed were 600, 3550. But the Levites were not listed along with them by their ancestral tribe. For the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, only the tribe of Levi, you shall not list, and you shall not take a census of them among the people of Israel, but appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony and over all its furnishings and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle. When the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down. And when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up, and if any outsider comes near, he shall be put to death. The people of Israel shall pitch their tents by their companies, each man in his own camp and each man by his own standard. But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony, so that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the people of Israel. And the Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the testimony. Thus did the people of Israel. They did according to all that the Lord commanded. Moses. A reading from the Book of Psalms to the choirmaster with stringed instruments of David.

[John the Baptist]

Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever. Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah. For you, O God, have heard my vows. You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. Prolong the life of the king. May his years endure to all generations. May he be enthroned forever before God. Appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him. So will I ever sing praises to your name as I perform my vows day after day.

[Narrator/Reader]

A reading from the Gospel according to John.

[John the Baptist]

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to bear witness about the light that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light, the true light which gives light to Everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him. Yet the world did not know Him. He came to his own. And his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name. And he gave the right to become children of God. Who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. And we have seen his glory. Glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness about him and cried out. This was he of whom I said, he who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me. For from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. God, the only Son who is at the Father's side. He has made him known. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, who are you? He confessed and did not deny, but. But confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, what then are you Elijah? He said, I am not.

[Narrator/Reader]

Are you the prophet?

[John the Baptist]

And he answered, no. So they said to him, who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? He said, I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord. As the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, then why are you baptizing if you are neither the Christ nor Elijah nor the prophet John answered them, I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know. Even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie. These things took place in Bethany, across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

[Narrator/Reader]

The next day he saw Jesus coming

[John the Baptist]

toward him and said, behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, after me comes a man who ranks before me because he was before me. I myself did not know him. But for this purpose I came baptizing with water that he might be revealed to Israel. And John bore witness. I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him. But he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, he on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain. This is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God. The next day again, John was standing with two of his disciples.

[Narrator/Reader]

And he looked at Jesus as he

[John the Baptist]

walked by and said, behold, the Lamb of God. The two disciples heard him say this and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, what are you seeking? And they said to him, rabbi, which means teacher, where are you staying? He said to them, come and you will see.

[Narrator/Reader]

So they came and saw where he

[John the Baptist]

was staying, and they stayed with him that day. For it was about the 10th hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, we have found the Messiah, which means Christ. He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, you are Simon, the son of John. You shall be called Cephas, which means Peter. The next day, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, follow me. Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, we have found him of whom Moses and the law and also the prophets wrote. Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Nathanael said to him, can anything good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him, come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, behold, an Israelite indeed in whom there is no deceit. Nathanael said to him, how do you know me? Jesus answered him, before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. Nathanael answered him, rabbi, you are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel. Jesus answered him, because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree. Do you believe you will see greater things than these? And he said to him, truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.