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

Episode: September 16 (Proverbs 21–22; Psalm 71; John 13)

Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Crossway

Overview

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" presents readings from Proverbs 21 and 22, Psalm 71, and John 13. The selections explore themes of wisdom and justice, prayers for help and faithfulness in old age, and the servant-hearted love of Christ demonstrated in the washing of the disciples’ feet leading up to his betrayal. The episode weaves together Old Testament wisdom, psalmic lament and praise, and the profound humility and instructions of Jesus before his crucifixion.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Proverbs 21–22: Wisdom on Righteous Living (00:01–10:38)

• God’s Sovereignty: “The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord. He turns it wherever he will.” (00:04)
  Proverbs reminds listeners that earthly power submits to God’s ultimate direction and authority.

• True Righteousness: “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (00:07)
  Upholding justice and righteousness is valued above mere ritual or outward religious acts.

• Warnings on Pride and Haste:

  • “Haughty eyes and a proud heart...are sin.” (00:09)
  • “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (00:12)
    Themes of humility, diligence, and patience are consistent throughout the reading.

• Social Justice and Compassion:

  • “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” (00:31)
  • “Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate...” (09:14)
    Emphasis on mercy, generosity, and defending the vulnerable.

• Famous Proverbs Noted:

  • “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (08:09)
  • “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” (06:14)
    Timeless counsel on legacy, reputation, and the value of character over wealth.

2. Psalm 71: Prayer for Deliverance and Faithfulness in Old Age (10:39–14:48)

• Trust and Hope Across a Lifetime:

  • “For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from before my birth...” (11:32)
    The psalmist expresses lifelong reliance on God’s faithfulness.

• Plea for Rescue Amidst Adversity:

  • “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.” (12:20)
    The reading voices concern for vulnerability in old age and a plea for God’s sustaining presence.

• Commitment to Praise and Testimony:

  • “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation.” (13:11)
    Highlights the responsibility to pass down faith and worship across generations.

3. John 13: Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet and Predicts Betrayal (14:49–27:56)

• Ultimate Servanthood:

  • “He began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (16:15)
    Jesus models humility and service in a radical, counter-cultural act.

• Dialogue with Peter:

  • Peter: “Lord, do you wash my feet?” (16:31)
  • Jesus: “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” (16:36)
  • Jesus: “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” (17:01)
    Peter’s initial protest and Jesus’ response underscore the spiritual significance of cleansing and fellowship with him.

• Call to Emulate Jesus’ Example:

  • “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done...” (18:11)
    Jesus instructs his disciples (and listeners) to serve one another with humility and love.

• Prediction of Betrayal:

  • Jesus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” (20:18)
    He foretells Judas’s betrayal, intensifying the gravity of the moment.

• A New Commandment:

  • Jesus: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (25:44)
    Christian love is revealed as the distinguishing mark of Jesus’ followers.

• Peter’s Impulsive Loyalty and Prophesied Denial:

  • Peter: “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” (26:31)
  • Jesus: “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.” (27:24)
    Foreshadows Peter’s coming denial, setting up the Passion narrative.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s Sovereignty:
  “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord. He turns it wherever he will.” (00:04, Proverbs 21:1)

• On Genuine Righteousness:
  “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (00:07, Proverbs 21:3)

• On Lifelong Faith:
  “For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from before my birth.” (11:32, Psalm 71:5–6)

• On Humble Service:
  “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (18:11, John 13:14)

• On the Mark of Discipleship:
  “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (25:58, John 13:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01–10:38: Proverbs 21–22 (Wisdom and justice)
• 10:39–14:48: Psalm 71 (Plea for God’s aid and commitment to praise)
• 14:49–27:56: John 13 (Jesus’ servant leadership and commands on love)

Final Reflection

This episode offers a multi-angled meditation on wisdom, humility, faithful reliance on God, and sacrificial love. The readings frame the believer’s life as a response to God’s priorities—justice, mercy, faith, and love—culminating in Jesus’ example of humble service and the call to radical, Christ-like love.