Thankful, Not Paying

2 Kings 5:1-19

The Big Idea

We can respond to God’s goodness with thankful hearts. God’s work is not something we can buy.

The Bible Story

Naaman Is Healed

In 2 Kings 5:15–16, Naaman returns to Elisha after washing seven times in the Jordan River and being healed. Naaman acknowledges that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. He urges Elisha to accept a gift, but Elisha refuses. This moment emphasizes that the healing was not something Naaman could purchase. The passage presents Naaman’s gratitude and recognition of God’s power, while Elisha does not accept payment for God’s work. Earlier, Naaman had been angry because Elisha did not come out personally and because the instruction seemed too simple. After listening to his servants, Naaman obeyed the instruction to wash seven times in the Jordan and was restored. His return to Elisha shows a changed response: he comes with humility and thanks. The scene should remain faithful to the passage and should not show Elisha touching, accepting, or keeping the gifts.

Themes

A low-status person providing crucial guidance Healing from skin disease Humility Obedience Recognition of God’s power Refusal of payment for God’s work

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Naaman returns to Elisha, expressing gratitude and acknowledging the God of Israel. Naaman may present gifts while Elisha kindly gestures that he will not accept them, making the refusal of payment visually unmistakable.

Talk together

Talk about it

How did Naaman show that he was thankful?
Why did Elisha refuse the gift?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page when teaching about humility, obedience, healing from skin disease, recognition of God’s power, or refusal of payment for God’s work. Invite children to notice the difference between giving thanks and trying to buy a blessing. Remind them that illness should never be treated as shameful.

Source note