Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: January 11
Readings: Genesis 22–23; Psalm 11; Matthew 13
Host: Crossway
Release Date: January 11, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, listeners journey through some of Scripture’s most iconic passages: the binding of Isaac and death of Sarah (Genesis 22–23), David’s confession of trust and justice in chaos (Psalm 11), and Jesus’ extended teaching in parables (Matthew 13). The readings explore faith, sacrifice, God’s provision, the testing of the righteous, and the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Genesis 22–23: The Binding of Isaac and Sarah’s Death

Main Themes: Radical trust, obedience, divine provision, and the beginnings of Israel’s lineage.

• The Test of Abraham’s Faith (00:01 – 04:00):

  • God commands Abraham to offer Isaac, his beloved son, as a burnt offering (00:10).
  • Abraham responds immediately: "Here I am." (00:10)
  • Isaac’s question and Abraham’s reply lay the foundation for faith in God’s provision:

    "Behold, the fire and the wood. But where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" (Isaac, 02:17)
    "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." (Abraham, 02:25)

  • Just as Abraham is about to act, the angel stops him:

    "Do not lay your hand on the boy...for now I know that you fear God." (Angel of the Lord, 03:20)

  • A ram is provided in Isaac’s stead; Abraham names the place “The Lord will provide.” (03:45)
  • God’s promise is restated:

    "Because you have done this...I will surely bless you...and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." (God, 04:30)

• Sarah’s Death and Abraham’s Purchase of a Burial Place (04:40 – 05:35):

  • Sarah’s passing at 127, Abraham’s mourning, and his negotiation with the Hittites for a burial site in Machpelah.
  • Abraham insists on purchasing the land, demonstrating integrity and faith in God’s promises concerning the land.

Psalm 11: Faith During Crisis

Main Themes: Trust in God’s sovereignty, injustice, and divine judgment.

• The Psalmist’s Refuge (05:39 – 06:22):
  • An assertion of trust:

    "In the Lord, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain’?" (David, 05:39)

  • Recognition of God’s sovereignty and justice:

    "The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see..." (06:00)

  • God’s judgment on the wicked:

    "Let him rain coals on the wicked, fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup." (06:12)

  • Promise for the righteous:

    "The upright shall behold his face." (David, 06:21)

Matthew 13: Parables of the Kingdom

Main Themes: Spiritual perception, growth, judgment, and value of the kingdom.

• The Parable of the Sower (06:26 – 08:36):

  • Jesus teaches a crowd about different responses to the message of the kingdom.

    "He who has ears, let him hear." (Jesus, 06:50)

  • Explanation of parables’ purpose:

    "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." (Jesus, 07:15)

  • The four soils represent four kinds of hearers: the uncomprehending, the shallow, the distracted, and the fruitful.
  • Warning:

    "The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful." (Jesus, 08:38)

  • Encouragement:

    "As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit..." (Jesus, 08:45)

• Parables of Weeds, Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure, Pearl, and Net (08:45 – 11:49):

  • Contrast between good and evil, the spread of the kingdom, its inestimable value, and future judgment.
  • On waiting for final judgment:

    "Let both grow together until the harvest." (Jesus, 09:50)

  • On God’s ultimate separation:

    "So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace." (Jesus, 11:44)

  • Value of the kingdom:

    "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field... Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." (Jesus, 11:23) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls... he... sold all that he had and bought it." (Jesus, 11:25)

• Jesus’ Rejection in Nazareth (11:49 – End):

  • The townspeople are astonished by His wisdom but offended by His familiarity:

    "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household." (Jesus, 12:20)

  • As a result, Jesus performs few miracles there due to their unbelief.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Abraham’s Trust:
  "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." (Abraham, 02:25)
• Angel’s Declaration:
  "Do not lay your hand on the boy... for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." (Angel of the Lord, 03:20)
• Psalmist’s Refuge in God:
  "In the Lord, I take refuge." (David, 05:39)
• On Parables and Spiritual Insight:
  "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." (Jesus, 07:15)
• On the Value of the Kingdom:
  "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field... then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." (Jesus, 11:23)
• On Rejection:
  "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household." (Jesus, 12:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 – Genesis 22–23: The Binding of Isaac, God’s Provision, Death of Sarah
• 05:39 – Psalm 11: Refuge and Justice
• 06:26 – Matthew 13: Parables of the Sower, Weeds, Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure, Pearl, Net
• 11:49 – Jesus Rejected in Nazareth, His Response to Unbelief

Language & Tone

The readings follow the formal and direct prose of the ESV translation, with reverence, clarity, and the solemn weight of the biblical narrative. Quotations reflect both the awe of divine encounters and Jesus’ patient teaching style, while the Psalms portray a resonant, heartfelt trust.

Summary

This episode draws listeners into themes of faith under trial, God’s sustaining presence amid mortality and injustice, and the transformative mystery and challenge of the kingdom—conveyed through stories and symbols meant “for those with ears to hear.”