Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: January 8 (Genesis 16–17; Psalm 8; Matthew 10)
Host: Crossway | Date: January 8, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode continues the daily journey through the ESV Bible, featuring readings from Genesis 16–17, Psalm 8, and Matthew 10. The main themes explored today involve God's faithfulness and covenant with Abraham, the uniqueness and dignity of humanity within creation, and Jesus's commissioning of the twelve disciples for mission, including his forthright teaching on the cost of discipleship.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Genesis 16–17: The Promise, Hagar, and the Covenant

• Sarai (Sarah), Hagar, and Ishmael

  • Sarai, unable to bear children, gives her servant Hagar to Abram. Hagar conceives and faces harsh treatment, fleeing into the wilderness.
  • The Angel of the Lord appears to Hagar, promising numerous descendants through her forthcoming son, Ishmael, whose name means "God hears".
  • Notable Quote:
    • “You are a God of seeing... truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” (Hagar, 04:41)

• God's Covenant with Abraham

  • At age 99, Abram receives a renewed promise from God, who changes his name to Abraham (“father of a multitude”) and Sarai to Sarah.
  • The covenant is established: Abraham will be father to many nations; Sarah will bear a son, Isaac; circumcision is instituted as the covenant’s sign.
  • God emphasizes the distinction between Ishmael (who is blessed) and Isaac (with whom the covenant will be established).

• Obedience and Response

  • Abraham obeys by circumcising himself, Ishmael, and all males in his household on that very day.

2. Psalm 8: The Majesty of God and the Dignity of Man

• Praise for God’s Majesty

  • The psalmist exalts God’s name and glory in all creation.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (05:52, 06:34)

• Humanity’s Role in Creation

  • Reflection on the honor God has bestowed on humanity:
    • “What is man, that you are mindful of him, and the son of man, that you care for him?... You have given him dominion over the works of your hands.” (06:12–06:24)
  • The Psalm reflects both humility and wonder at humanity’s role and responsibility.

3. Matthew 10: Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

• The Twelve Apostles and Their Mission

  • Jesus gives authority to the twelve, sending them first to the “lost sheep of Israel” to proclaim the nearness of God's kingdom, heal, and cast out demons.
  • Key Instruction:
    • “You received without paying; give without pay.” (07:06)

• Travel, Hospitality, and Rejection

  • The disciples are told to travel light, relying on God and the hospitality of others.
  • Guidance for facing rejection:
    • “If anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.” (08:15)

• Warning and Encouragement About Persecution

  • Jesus prepares them for adversity:
    • “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (08:24)
  • Comfort that the Spirit will give them words to speak when facing hostile authorities (09:04).
  • Notable Quote:
    • “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (09:54)

• The Cost of Discipleship

  • Following Jesus will bring division, even among family.
  • Jesus sets the radical demand of allegiance:
    • “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me... Whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (11:00)
    • “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (11:13)

• Assurance and Rewards

  • Every act, even a small kindness given to a disciple, matters in God’s sight.
  • Final blessing:
    • “Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (11:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Genesis 16:13 (Hagar):
  • “You are a God of seeing… truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” (04:41)
• Psalm 8:1, 9 (David):
  • “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (05:52, 06:34)
• Matthew 10:16 (Jesus):
  • “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (08:24)
• Matthew 10:28 (Jesus):
  • “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (09:54)
• Matthew 10:37–39 (Jesus):
  • “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me… Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (11:00–11:13)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Genesis 16–17 (Sarai, Hagar, Ishmael, Abraham's Covenant): 00:01–05:52
• Psalm 8 (Majesty of God, Human Dignity): 05:52–06:40
• Matthew 10 (Sending the Twelve, Persecution, Cost of Discipleship): 06:44–End

Summary

This episode intricately connects the narratives of God’s covenant faithfulness to Abraham and Sarah despite human frailty, the beauty and responsibility of humanity in creation, and Jesus’s call to radical, courageous, and sacrificial discipleship. Each reading underscores God’s sovereignty, human dignity, and the cost—as well as the assurance—of following Christ.