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

Episode Date: January 9, 2026
Readings: Genesis 18–19, Psalm 9, Matthew 11
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode continues the year-long journey through the ESV Bible, featuring readings from Genesis 18–19 (the visit of the Lord to Abraham, the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the aftermath), Psalm 9 (a psalm of gratitude and trust in God’s justice), and Matthew 11 (John the Baptist's questions about Jesus, Jesus’ teaching on John and the unrepentant cities, and his call to the weary). The readings highlight themes of divine promise, judgment and mercy, gratitude, the seriousness of unbelief, and the gentleness of Christ.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Genesis 18–19: God’s Promise, Justice, and Mercy

• Abraham’s Hospitality: Abraham welcomes three mysterious visitors under the oaks of Mamre, offering rest, food, and care (00:01). This sets the stage for God’s revelation.

• Sarah’s Laughter and God’s Promise: The Lord promises a son to Sarah, despite her advanced age, prompting her incredulity and laughter. The Lord addresses her doubt:
  "Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son." (approx. 05:40)

• The Outcry Against Sodom: God deliberates whether to reveal to Abraham the impending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grave sin (approx. 07:00).

• Abraham’s Intercession: Abraham pleads for the cities, asking if God will spare them for the sake of the righteous, progressively bargaining down from 50 to 10 righteous people:

  "Shall not the judge of all the earth do what is just?" (08:00)

• Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: Angels visit Lot, urge him to flee, and warn of imminent destruction. The men of Sodom display depravity, and God judges the city with fire and brimstone. Notably, Lot’s wife looks back against warning and becomes a pillar of salt (approx. 09:00).

• Aftermath: Lot and his daughters, acting out of desperation and fear, produce offspring (Moab and Ben-Ammi) who become ancestors to historical nations. The narrative closes somberly, underlining both deliverance and moral ambiguity.

2. Psalm 9: Thanksgiving for God’s Justice

• Praise for God’s Deeds: The psalmist expresses gratitude for God’s interventions:

  "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. I will recount all of your wonderful deeds." (09:14) "The Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice." (10:08)

• God as Refuge: Emphasis on God’s care for the oppressed and the assurance that He does not forsake those who seek Him:

  "The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." (10:33)

• Assurance of Justice: The psalm concludes with a declaration of hope for the needy and a plea for God to confront human pride:

  "The needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. Arise, O Lord. Let not man prevail." (10:47–10:55)

3. Matthew 11: Jesus’ Identity, Warnings, and Invitation

• John the Baptist’s Doubt and Jesus’ Response: John, imprisoned, sends messengers to Jesus to confirm His messiahship. Jesus points to His acts as fulfillment of prophecy:

  "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk… and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me." (11:18)

• Affirmation of John’s Role: Jesus calls John a prophet and more:

  "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (11:36)

• Condemnation of Unrepentant Cities: Jesus denounces Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, warning that their judgment will be worse than for notorious Gentile cities:

  "If the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago…" (11:48) "It will be more tolerable on the Day of Judgment for the land of Sodom than for you." (11:58)

• Invitation to the Weary: Jesus offers comfort, contrasting His gentleness with the burdens imposed by others:

  "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (12:41)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" — Genesis reading, expressing God’s power to fulfill promises (05:40)
• "Shall not the judge of all the earth do what is just?" — Abraham contending for Sodom (08:00)
• "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. I will recount all of your wonderful deeds." — Psalmist’s expression of gratitude (09:14)
• "The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." — Confidence in God’s care (10:33)
• "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight…and the poor have good news preached to them." — Jesus’ answer to John’s doubt (11:18)
• "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Jesus’ invitation (12:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Genesis 18–19 (Abraham, Sodom and Gomorrah): 00:01–09:14
• Psalm 9 (Thanksgiving and Justice): 09:14–11:05
• Matthew 11 (John the Baptist, Warnings, Invitation): 11:12–end

Tone:
The episode maintains a reverent, scriptural, and meditative tone throughout, letting the text speak powerfully and allowing listeners to encounter the full emotional range of the readings—promise, urgency, lament, warning, gratitude, and hope.

This summary encapsulates the episode’s main themes and notable scriptural moments, providing context and direct quotes for those seeking to understand the day’s passages and their resonance.