Episode Overview

This episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry (September 14) follows the podcast’s daily structure, presenting readings from three sections of the Bible: Proverbs 17–18, Psalm 69:19–36, and John 11. The central theme of today’s reading is exploring wisdom in relationships, the pain and hope of affliction, and the dramatic resurrection of Lazarus as a revelation of Jesus’ power over death.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Wisdom and Relationships (Proverbs 17–18)

Time: 00:01–06:05

• Value of Peace and Restraint:

  • “Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.”
    • Emphasizes the value of peace over luxury (00:02).
  • “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
    • Teaches the importance of forgiveness and discretion for maintaining relationships (00:16).

• Communication and the Power of Words:

  • “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (00:59)
    • Stresses how words can build up or destroy.

• Wise Conduct & True Friendship:

  • “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (00:24)
    • Underlines constancy in friendship.
  • “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (01:11)
    • Reflects on the depth and loyalty possible in true friendship.

2. God’s Salvation Amid Suffering (Psalm 69:19–36)

Time: 06:07–08:02

• Expressions of Affliction:

  • The Psalmist (David) laments feeling abandoned and betrayed:
    • “Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none.” (06:21)

• Turning to God in Despair:

  • Despite hardships, hope is fixed on God’s deliverance:
    • “But I am afflicted and in pain. Let your salvation, O God, set me on high. I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.” (07:31)

• Restoration and Praise:

  • “For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners... For God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah.” (07:50)
    • Points toward divine restoration and the ultimate hope for God’s people.

3. The Raising of Lazarus and Revealed Glory (John 11)

Time: 08:04–21:33

• Setting the Scene:

  • Jesus receives word that his beloved friend Lazarus is ill, but he deliberately delays, stating:
    • “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (08:17)
    • The reader is immediately pointed toward a deeper purpose in suffering.

• Dialogue with the Disciples and Martha:

  • Jesus prepares his disciples for what is to come, and Martha demonstrates trust:
    • “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” (10:15)
    • Promises resurrection and declares,
      “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live...” (10:32)
      • Central theological claim about Jesus' identity and authority over death.

• Jesus' Compassion:

  • When Mary grieves for Lazarus, Jesus is deeply moved, culminating in the famous verse:
    • “Jesus wept.” (11:34)
      • A profound demonstration of Christ’s humanity and care.

• The Miracle and Its Impact:

  • Jesus calls Lazarus from the grave after four days:
    • “Lazarus, come out.” (12:12)
    • Lazarus emerges alive, a powerful sign that leads many to believe (12:17).

• Religious Authorities’ Response:

  • Some witnesses report the miracle to the Pharisees, leading to a pivotal decision:
    • “It is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” – Caiaphas (13:20)
    • This sets the plot for Jesus’ crucifixion in motion (13:31).

• Public Expectation and Tension:

  • As Passover draws near, there is heightened anticipation and concern:
    • “They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another... what do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” (14:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.” (Proverbs 17:1, 00:02)
• “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9, 00:16)
• “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17, 00:24)
• “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22, 00:43)
• “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (Proverbs 18:21, 00:59)
• “Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair.” (Psalm 69:20, 06:21)
• “But I am afflicted and in pain. Let your salvation, O God, set me on high.” (Psalm 69:29, 07:31)
• “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live...” (John 11:25, 10:32)
• “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35, 11:34)
• “It is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” (Caiaphas, John 11:50, 13:20)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Proverbs 17–18: 00:01 – 06:05
• Psalm 69:19–36: 06:07 – 08:02
• John 11: 08:04 – 21:33

Summary Flow

Today’s episode journeys from the practical wisdom of Proverbs about relationships and speech, through the raw lament and hope of the Psalms, to the dramatic, life-affirming miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus in John 11. Key themes include the enduring value of wisdom and kindness in everyday life, the honest experience of pain met with hope in God’s deliverance, and the manifestation of Jesus’ divine authority over life and death—a gospel story marked by deep emotion, public witness, and growing tension leading toward the cross.

Listeners are left with a compelling vision of Christ as both compassionate comforter and powerful Redeemer, against a backdrop of ancient wisdom and worship.