Israel's Kings and Prophets

Israel's Kings and Prophets

Background for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time's Mass Readings.

Mass Readings Link: Jeremiah, Hebrews,  & Luke

After the people of Israel left Egypt and conquered Canaan, the promised land, this is the only period in the Old Testament where they are independent. After King Solomon dies the Kingdom is split into two parts: Israel (north) and Judah (south). 

The kings of Judah are descended from David and Solomon, and this is Jesus' royal lineage through Joseph. King Zedekiah is Judah's last king and during his reign it is conquered by Babylon 600 years before Jesus. Jeremiah is one of the later prophets during this time. Other major prophets include Elijah and Isaiah.

Jesus lives 700 years after the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered and most of its people exiled. By Jesus' time, the part of this area is called Samaria, and it had lost almost all of its Jewish heritage. Jews basically considered Samaritans foreigners like Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians.  To use a baseball anagoly, they got along about as well as Yankees and Red Sox fans.

Just as Jeremiah, a Jewish prophet,  is rescued by Ebed-melech, a foreigner*
Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan
where the Jewish traveler is rescued by the Samaritan, a foreigner. 
He also receives water at the well from the Samartian woman.

* He was from the Kingdom of Kush: modern day Sudan in Africa

Jeremiah's message to Judah divides King Zedekiah and his princes.
Jesus states that his message will establish division.
What divides us from God in our daily life?

God, however, always provides when we ask, and even when we don't.

Hebrews 12:1-4 "Consider how he [Jesus] endured such opposition from sinners,
in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart."  
Psalm 40 - Lord come to my aid!

Jeremiah and Jesus's foreign help is unexpected. 
Who might be my unexpected help sent by God?