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

Episode: January 17 (Genesis 31; Psalm 17; Matthew 20)
Host: Crossway
Release Date: January 17, 2026

Overview

This episode continues the year-long journey through the ESV Bible, featuring readings from the Old Testament (Genesis 31), Psalms (Psalm 17), and the New Testament (Matthew 20). The central themes explored include God's faithfulness during conflict and transitions, the integrity of David's prayers, and Jesus’ parables and teachings on humility and service.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Genesis 31: Jacob’s Departure from Laban

• Rising Tensions and God's Command

  • Jacob perceives Laban’s sons’ resentment and Laban's changed attitude toward him.

    “Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before.” (00:17)

  • God instructs Jacob to return to his homeland:

    “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” (00:23)

• Rachel and Leah’s Support

  • Both wives agree with Jacob, affirming their disenfranchisement from Laban.
  • Rachel secretly takes her father’s household gods, hinting at underlying tensions and cultural influences.

• Jacob’s Departure and Laban's Pursuit

  • Jacob leaves secretly; Laban pursues him, but God intervenes by warning Laban in a dream:

    “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” (02:36)

• Confrontation and Covenant

  • Laban accuses Jacob of trickery and theft. Jacob insists on his innocence (unaware of Rachel’s actions).
  • Notable moment: Rachel deceives Laban to prevent the discovery of the stolen idols by sitting on them and citing "the way of women." (04:12)
  • Jacob defends his integrity, recounting his years of hard labor and Laban’s repeated exploitation:

    “These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times.” (05:11)

  • The two make a covenant: mutual boundaries and God as their witness.
  • The episode closes with Laban blessing his family and returning home.

Psalm 17: David’s Prayer for Vindication and Protection

• David’s Appeal to God’s Justice

  • David proclaims his innocence and asks God to hear his “just cause.”

    “Hear a just cause, O Lord, attend to my cry. Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.” (07:16)

• Steadfastness and Seeking Refuge

  • David highlights God’s steadfast love for those who seek refuge.
  • Metaphor of God’s protection:

    “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who do me violence.” (07:40)

• Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked

  • David distinguishes his hope (“I shall behold your face in righteousness... I shall be satisfied with your likeness”) from the satisfaction of the wicked, found only in earthly treasures for their children.

Matthew 20: Parable of the Laborers, Jesus Predicts His Death, and the Call to Servant Leadership

• Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard

  • Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a vineyard owner who pays all laborers the same wage, regardless of hours worked.
  • Memorable exchange:

    “‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong... Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’” (10:19)

  • Central teaching:

    “So the last will be first, and the first last.” (10:44)

• Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection

  • Jesus, en route to Jerusalem, foretells his betrayal, suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection:

    “‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over... and he will be raised on the third day.’” (10:55)

• Request of James and John’s Mother

  • She asks Jesus for her sons to have seats of honor.

    “‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?’” (11:29)

  • Jesus explains that such honors are prepared by the Father and not his to give.

• Teaching on True Greatness

  • The disciples' indignation prompts Jesus’ lesson on servant leadership:

    “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave. Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (12:05)

• Healing of the Two Blind Men

  • Two blind men persistently call out to Jesus.
  • Jesus, moved by pity, heals them, and they immediately follow him:

    “‘Lord, let our eyes be opened.’ And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight...” (13:11)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jacob’s Endurance and Faithfulness:

  “If the God of my father... had not been on my side, surely now you would have sent me away empty handed. God saw my affliction and... rebuked you last night.” (Jacob, 05:23)

• Jesus on Envy and Generosity:

  “‘Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’” (Jesus, 10:29)

• Jesus’ Definition of True Leadership:

  “‘Whoever would be great among you must be your servant... Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” (Jesus, 12:09)

• David’s Trust in God’s Justice:

  “I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.” (David, 07:29)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Genesis 31: Jacob’s Conflict and Covenant — 00:01–06:54
• Psalm 17: David’s Prayer — 06:55–08:18
• Matthew 20: Parable, Prediction, and Teaching on Service — 08:19–14:00

Tone and Language

The episode maintains a scriptural and meditative tone, focused on a faithful reading of the text. The pace is steady and reverent, allowing listeners to contemplate the Gospel’s challenges to self-interest, justice, and humility.

This summary captures the content and spirit of the episode, making it accessible to those seeking the daily nourishment and wisdom found in the ESV Bible through the yearlong reading plan.