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

Episode: January 1 (Genesis 1–2; Psalm 1; Matthew 1–2)
Host: Crossway
Date: January 1, 2026

Overview

This first episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" launches a year-long daily journey through the Scriptures, featuring a selection from the Old Testament (Genesis 1–2), the Psalms (Psalm 1), and the New Testament (Matthew 1–2). The episode introduces listeners to the themes of creation, blessing, promise, and redemption, spanning from the dawn of the world to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Genesis 1–2: The Creation Account

[00:01–07:40]

• God’s Creative Power:

  • God creates the world over six days, bringing order from chaos and forming the heavens, the earth, light, celestial bodies, and all living creatures.
  • Each phase of creation is declared "good," culminating in the creation of mankind:
    • "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." (05:40)

• Humanity’s Unique Role:

  • Humanity, male and female, is given dominion over the earth and every living thing, reflecting God’s image and entrusted with stewardship.

• The Seventh Day – Rest:

  • God’s creation concludes with rest, establishing the pattern for the Sabbath and illustrating the value of completion and holiness.
    • "So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work…" (07:00)

• The Garden of Eden and Humanity’s Calling:

  • Adam is formed from the dust, God breathes life into him, and he is placed in Eden to “work it and keep it.” (07:15)
  • Introduction of the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, setting up the pivotal choice for mankind.

• Creation of Woman and the First Marriage:

  • God observes that it is “not good that the man should be alone.”
  • Woman is created from Adam’s rib, leading to the first union and the principle of “one flesh.”
    • "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." (09:10)

2. Psalm 1: The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked

[11:15–12:30]

• The Blessed Life:

  • Contrasts the flourishing of the righteous (“like a tree planted by streams of water”) with the fleeting nature of the wicked (“like chaff that the wind drives away”).

• Delight in God’s Law:

  • Highlights meditation on God’s law as the source of true prosperity and steadfastness in every season.

• Final Destiny:

  • Affirms God’s intimate knowledge of the righteous, promising hope and warning of judgment for the wicked:
    • "The Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." (12:25)

3. Matthew 1–2: The Genealogy and Early Life of Jesus

[12:40–22:57]

• Genealogy of Jesus:

  • Connects Jesus to Abraham and David, grounding His identity in Israel’s story and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.
    • "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham…" (12:45)

• Miraculous Birth of Jesus:

  • Mary’s pregnancy by the Holy Spirit challenges Joseph, who responds with righteousness by not wishing to shame her.
  • An angel instructs Joseph in a dream:
    • "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife…She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (16:10)

• Fulfillment of Prophecy:

  • Jesus’ birth fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy about the virgin birth:
    • "'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,' which means, God with us." (16:35)

• Visit of the Wise Men:

  • Magi travel from the east, following a star to worship the newborn King and present gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
    • "They saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him." (18:50)

• Herod’s Hostility and the Flight to Egypt:

  • The holy family flees to Egypt to escape Herod’s plot.
  • The massacre of Bethlehem’s infants fulfills Jeremiah’s prophecy:
    • "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children…" (20:40)

• Return to Nazareth:

  • After Herod’s death, Joseph is divinely warned and settles the family in Nazareth, fulfilling that the Messiah “would be called a Nazarene.” (22:45)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Creation’s Goodness:

  • “…God saw everything that he had made. And behold, it was very good.” (06:55)

• Divine Command for Life:

  • “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…” (06:20)

• Meditation and Blessing:

  • “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (11:25)
  • “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season…” (11:32)

• The Meaning of ‘Jesus’:

  • “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (16:15)

• The Universal Reach of the Gospel:

  • Magi, Gentile wise men, worship the Christ child, illustrating early on that Jesus’ mission is for all nations. (18:45–19:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Time | |---------------------------------------|-------------| | Genesis 1–2: Creation & Eden | 00:01–10:10 | | Psalm 1: Righteous & Wicked | 11:15–12:30 | | Matthew 1: Genealogy & Birth of Jesus | 12:40–16:40 | | Matthew 2: Wise Men, Herod, Egypt | 16:40–22:57 |

Conclusion

This opening episode establishes the foundation for the year’s journey, reminding listeners of God as Creator, Lawgiver, Promise-Keeper, and Redeemer. Through the ordered structure of daily readings, listeners are invited to meditate on Scripture, trace God’s faithfulness from creation to Christ, and prepare their hearts for the unfolding story of redemption in the Bible.