Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: January 14 – Genesis 27; Psalm 14; Matthew 16–17
Original Air Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode presents daily readings from the ESV Bible, covering Genesis 27, Psalm 14, and Matthew 16–17. Listeners journey through the vivid stories of deceit and blessing among the patriarchs, the universal problem of sin, and pivotal moments in the life and ministry of Jesus. The narrative seamlessly weaves together scripture from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament, giving a panoramic view of God's unfolding plan.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Genesis 27: Jacob Steals Esau’s Blessing

[00:01–06:12]

• Isaac’s Failing Sight and Intention:
  Isaac, elderly and nearly blind, prepares to bless his firstborn, Esau, asking him to hunt and prepare favored food before granting the blessing (00:01).

• Rebekah and Jacob’s Deception:
  Overhearing Isaac’s intent, Rebekah devises a plan for Jacob to receive the blessing instead. She instructs Jacob to impersonate Esau, covering his smooth skin with goat skins and clothing him in Esau’s garments (00:41).

  • Notable Quote:
    • Rebekah: “Let your curse be on me, my son. Only obey my voice…” (02:06)

• Isaac’s Uncertainty:
  Isaac is suspicious, noting, “the voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau,” but proceeds to bless Jacob after being deceived (03:16).

• The Blessing Itself:
  Isaac bestows the patriarchal blessing on Jacob, asking God to give him “the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth… Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you…” (03:50).

• Esau’s Return and Bitter Loss:
  Esau arrives, only to learn the blessing was already given. Distressed, Esau cries out, “Bless me, even me also, O my father!” (04:43). Isaac affirms Jacob is now master over Esau, promising Esau a life “by your sword” and in eventual freedom (05:01).

• Aftermath – Esau’s Hatred and Rebekah’s Fear:
  Esau plots to kill Jacob; Rebekah counsels Jacob to flee to her brother Laban until Esau’s anger cools (05:20–05:59).

  • Notable Quote:
    • Esau: “He has cheated me these two times.” (04:23)

Psalm 14: The Fool Says, “There is No God”

[06:12–07:00]

• Universal Corruption:
  The Psalm describes a world turned from God—"there is none who does good, not even one" (06:20).

• God’s Knowledge and the Refuge of the Righteous:
  God observes humanity’s corruption, but “the Lord is with the generation of the righteous” (06:39).

  • Notable Quote:
    • “Let Jacob rejoice; let Israel be glad.” (06:55)

Matthew 16–17: Peter's Confession, The Transfiguration, and Little Faith

[07:00–12:47]

Testing of Jesus by the Pharisees and Sadducees

• Demand for a Sign:
  Religious leaders demand signs; Jesus responds, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah” (07:15).

The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees

• Jesus’ Warning:
  Jesus warns the disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees, clarifying that “leaven” refers to their teaching, not literal bread (07:40).

Peter’s Confession and Foundation of the Church

• Peter’s Declaration:
  Jesus asks the disciples who they believe he is. Simon Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (08:16)

  • Notable Quote:
    • Jesus: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah… you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (08:23)

• Prediction of Suffering and Rebuke of Peter:
  Jesus foretells his suffering and resurrection. When Peter rebukes him, Jesus responds, “Get behind me, Satan. You are a hindrance to me…” (08:59)

• Cost of Discipleship:
  Jesus teaches, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me… For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (09:40)

The Transfiguration

• Supernatural Revelation:
  Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John—his face bright as the sun, clothes dazzling white (10:08). Moses and Elijah appear; from a cloud, the Father declares: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” (10:44)

• After The Vision:
  Jesus instructs them not to share the vision “until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” (11:04)

Healing a Demon-Possessed Boy and Faith Like a Mustard Seed

• Failed Exorcism and Jesus’ Rebuke:
  A father begs for his son’s deliverance after disciples fail to heal him. Jesus says, “O faithless and twisted generation… Bring him here to me.” He casts out the demon instantly (11:36).

• Lesson on Faith:
  The disciples privately ask why they failed; Jesus responds, “Because of your little faith… if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.” (12:13)

The Temple Tax and Miraculous Provision

• On Tax and Sonship:
  Peter is questioned about the temple tax. Jesus claims the sons are free but, to avoid offense, instructs Peter to catch a fish, which supplies the required coin for both (12:38).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Let your curse be on me, my son. Only obey my voice…” – Rebekah (02:06)
• “Are you really my son Esau?” – Isaac, highlighting the dramatic tension (03:24)
• “He has cheated me these two times.” – Esau (04:23)
• “There is none who does good, not even one.” – Psalm 14 (06:20)
• “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Peter (08:16)
• “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Jesus (08:23)
• “Get behind me, Satan. You are a hindrance to me.” – Jesus rebuking Peter (08:59)
• “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” – Voice from the cloud at the Transfiguration (10:44)
• “Because of your little faith… if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.” – Jesus (12:13)

Key Timestamps

• Genesis 27 – Jacob Deceives Isaac: 00:01–06:12
• Psalm 14 – Universal Depravity: 06:12–07:00
• Matthew 16 – Demand for a Sign, Peter’s Confession: 07:00–09:51
• Matthew 17 – Transfiguration, Healing, Temple Tax: 09:52–12:47

This episode powerfully showcases humanity’s ongoing struggles—through the rivalry of Jacob and Esau, the reach of sin in Psalm 14, and the call to faith, sacrifice, and recognition of Christ’s divinity in Matthew. It is punctuated by memorable moments of divine revelation and vivid lessons about trust, identity, and following God’s will, echoing through the ages.