Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: January 10 (Genesis 20–21; Psalm 10; Matthew 12)
Date: January 10, 2026
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

In this episode, selections from Genesis 20–21, Psalm 10, and Matthew 12 are read aloud without commentary. The readings traverse critical moments in the life of Abraham, a lament against injustice from the Psalmist, and several powerful confrontations and teachings of Jesus. The episode stays true to the podcast’s format—simply presenting the Scriptures for immersive listening and reflection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights by Passage

1. Genesis 20–21: Abraham’s Journeys, Sarah’s Promise, and God’s Faithfulness

[00:01–08:01]

• Abraham in Gerar & The Abimelech Incident

  • Abraham again fears for his safety, claiming Sarah as his sister (20:2), leading Abimelech to unknowingly take her, but God intervenes with a dream, warning Abimelech and affirming Abraham’s prophetic status.
  • Abraham admits his fear:
    • "I did it because I thought, there is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife." (Abraham, 20:11, ~03:32)
  • Abimelech restores Sarah, blesses Abraham, and God heals Abimelech’s household.

• Fulfillment of God’s Promise: Isaac’s Birth

  • The Lord visits Sarah:
    • "The Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age." (21:1–2, ~04:19)
  • Isaac is named, circumcised, and Abraham hosts a great feast at his weaning.
  • Sarah marvels:
    • "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age." (Sarah, 21:7, ~04:59)

• Hagar and Ishmael Sent Away, God’s Provision

  • Sarah urges Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away.
  • God reassures Abraham:
    • "Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” (God, 21:12–13, ~05:50)
  • Hagar despairs in the wilderness, but God hears Ishmael’s cries and provides a well of water. Ishmael grows up under God’s care.

• Covenant at Beersheba

  • Abraham and Abimelech make a peace pact over a disputed well, sealing it with an oath and sacrificial gifts. Abraham plants a tamarisk tree and calls on “the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.” (21:33, ~06:12)

2. Psalm 10: Lament Over Injustice and Trust in God’s Justice

[06:26–08:03]

• Complaint and Description of Wickedness

  • The Psalmist opens in distress:
    • "Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" (10:1, ~06:27)
  • The wicked are depicted as arrogant, prosperous, and oppressing the helpless, believing God does not see or care.

• Plea for God’s Intervention

  • The Psalmist implores:
    • "Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted." (10:12, ~07:21)
  • Affirmation of God’s care for the vulnerable:
    • "You have been the helper of the fatherless… The Lord is king forever and ever… You will strengthen their heart… to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed." (10:14–18, ~07:40–08:01)

3. Matthew 12: Jesus, Sabbath, Authority, and the Opponents

[08:11–end]

• Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath

  • Disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, prompting Pharisaical accusation.
  • Jesus references David and the Temple priests, declaring:
    • "I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. ... For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath." (Jesus, 12:6–8, ~08:36)
  • "It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." (Jesus, 12:12, ~09:01)

• Healing the Withered Hand & Conspiracy

  • Jesus heals a man’s hand on the Sabbath; Pharisees plot against him.
  • Isaiah’s prophecy is cited:
    • "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory." (Isaiah, ~09:53)

• Accusations of Casting Out Demons by Beelzebub

  • Facing charges of demonic collusion, Jesus replies:
    • "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste . . . But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Jesus, 12:25–28, ~10:30)
  • Warning of the unforgivable sin:
    • "The blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." (Jesus, 12:31, ~10:49)
  • Memorable quote:
    • "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. ... For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Jesus, 12:34, 12:37, ~11:02–11:14)

• Seeking a Sign & The Sign of Jonah

  • Pharisees demand a sign, but Jesus offers only:
    • "No sign will be given...except the sign of the prophet Jonah. ... so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Jesus, 12:39–40, ~11:45)
  • Jesus compares himself to Jonah and Solomon, asserting his surpassing greatness.

• Unclean Spirits & The “True Family” of Jesus

  • Warning about spiritual vacuity:
    • "The last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation." (12:45, ~12:35)
  • Redefining his family:
    • "Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." (Jesus, 12:50, ~12:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "God has made laughter for me. Everyone who hears will laugh over me." — Sarah, recounting Isaac’s birth (Genesis 21:6, ~04:47)

• "For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath." — Jesus, claiming authority over religious law (Matthew 12:8, ~08:54)

• "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench..." — Prophecy about Jesus' gentle justice (Matthew 12:20, ~09:53)

• "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad. For the tree is known by its fruit." — Jesus, on integrity and spiritual authenticity (Matthew 12:33, ~11:06)

• "Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." — Jesus expands the meaning of family to all followers (Matthew 12:50, ~12:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Genesis 20–21 reading: 00:01–06:26
• Psalm 10 reading: 06:27–08:03
• Matthew 12 reading: 08:11–end

Summary at a Glance

This episode offers a seamless experience of three pivotal scripture passages—the faithfulness of God to Abraham and Sarah, a Psalmist’s passionate cry for justice, and Christ’s authoritative teaching in the face of opposition. The tone is reverent and direct, shaped by the solemnity and drama of the biblical texts themselves.

Listeners are drawn into the narrative, reminded of God’s miraculous fulfillment of promises, his heart for the oppressed, and the radical claims and compassion of Jesus Christ.