Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: January 24 (Genesis 43–44; Psalm 22:1–18; Matthew 27–28)
Host: Crossway
Date: January 24, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode presents daily readings from Genesis 43–44 (Joseph’s reunion with his brothers), Psalm 22:1–18 (David’s lament foreshadowing Jesus), and Matthew 27–28 (the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus). The readings emphasize trust in God amidst suffering, repentance, redemption, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the New Testament. The episode’s tone is reverent and contemplative, inviting listeners to reflect on God’s faithfulness across Scripture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Genesis 43–44: Joseph Tests His Brothers and Reveals Compassion

(00:01 – 08:33)

• Joseph’s Brothers Return to Egypt:
  The famine continues, forcing Jacob (Israel) to send his sons, including Benjamin, back to Egypt for food. Judah pledges Benjamin’s safety, offering himself as a guarantee of his brother’s return.

  • Notable Quote (Judah pledging Benjamin's safety):

    "I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever." (01:01)

• The Brothers Fear Retribution:
  Upon being brought to Joseph’s house, the brothers worry they are in trouble over the money that was previously returned in their sacks. Joseph’s steward reassures them, attributing the events to God’s providence.

  • Notable Quote (the steward):

    "Peace to you. Do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you." (02:30)

• Joseph’s Emotional Reaction:
  Seeing Benjamin, Joseph is overcome with emotion and privately weeps before dining with his brothers.

  • Notable Quote:

    "Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep." (03:54)

• Joseph’s Test and Judah’s Plea:
  Joseph orchestrates a test by placing his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. When accused of theft, the brothers express their vulnerability and Judah offers himself as a substitute for Benjamin, highlighting repentance and self-sacrifice.

  • Notable Quote (Judah’s plea):

    "Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my Lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the evil that would find my father." (08:23)

2. Psalm 22:1–18: David’s Lament and Messianic Prophecy

(08:33 – 10:18)

• Cry of Abandonment:
  David’s heartfelt opening line is echoed by Jesus on the cross, expressing deep anguish and apparent divine abandonment.

  • Notable Quote:

    "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?" (08:49)

• Desperation and Trust:
  The psalm oscillates between despair and declarations of God’s past faithfulness to Israel, underscoring the tension between felt suffering and remembered deliverance.

• Prophetic Details:
  The physical torment, mocking, and the division of garments described prefigure the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus in Matthew.

  • Notable Quote (prophetic anguish):

    "They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." (10:12)

3. Matthew 27–28: The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus

(10:18 – End)

• Judas’ Remorse and Death:
  Judas, overwhelmed with guilt after betraying Jesus, returns the silver and hangs himself—underscoring the gravity of betrayal and regret.

  • Notable Quote (Judas):

    "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." (10:25)

• Jesus Before Pilate and the Crowd:
  Jesus remains mostly silent under accusation. Pilate’s hesitance and the crowd’s demand for crucifixion lead to Barabbas’s release instead.

  • Notable Quotes (Pilate and crowd):

    "Are you the king of the Jews?" (Pilate, 10:35)
    "Let him be crucified." (Crowd, 11:15)
    "I am innocent of this man's blood. See to it yourselves." (Pilate, 11:22)

• Mockery, Crucifixion, and Fulfillment:
  Jesus is mocked, crowned with thorns, and crucified alongside two criminals. The bystanders and leaders deride him, echoing Psalm 22 with their taunts.
  The supernatural signs—darkness, temple curtain tearing, earthquake, and resurrection of saints—affirm Jesus’ divine identity.

  • Notable Quote (Jesus, from the cross):

    "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (12:00)

  • Notable Quote (Centurion):

    "Truly, this was the Son of God." (13:00)

• Burial and Resurrection:
  Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus; women disciples witness. On the third day, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” encounter an angel at the empty tomb.

  • Notable Quote (Angel):

    "He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." (14:20)

• The Great Commission:
  The resurrected Jesus appears to the eleven disciples, commanding them to make disciples of all nations and promising his enduring presence.

  • Notable Quote (Jesus):

    "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me... Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (15:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Judah’s Sacrificial Plea for Benjamin:
  “Please let your servant remain instead of the boy... For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me?” (08:23)

• David’s Prophetic Psalm:
  “They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (10:12)

• Jesus’s Final Words:
  “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (12:00)

• Centurion’s Confession:
  “Truly, this was the Son of God.” (13:00)

• Resurrection Proclamation:
  “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.” (14:20)

• The Great Commission:
  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me... Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” (15:10)

Key Timestamps

• 00:01 — Genesis 43–44: Joseph’s brothers return; Joseph tests them; Judah’s repentance.
• 08:33 — Psalm 22:1–18: David’s lament, foreshadowing Jesus.
• 10:18 — Matthew 27–28: Judas betrays Jesus; trial, crucifixion, and resurrection; the Great Commission.

Summary Flow & Takeaway

This episode compellingly weaves together Old and New Testament narratives, showing both Joseph and Jesus as agents of redemption. Judah acts as a figure of self-sacrifice; David’s ancient prayers find fulfillment in Christ’s suffering. The resurrection is celebrated as the ultimate victory and a call to global discipleship, echoing divine faithfulness and mercy through the generations.

Listeners are left with a strong sense of the continuity and fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan—from Genesis through the Psalms to the Gospel of Matthew—culminating in Jesus’ assurance:

"And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (15:20)