Bible moment
The Bible moment
In 2 Kings 5:11-14, Naaman is angry because Elisha does not come out personally and because the instruction seems different from what he expected. Elisha’s messenger tells him to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman’s servants reason with him, and he chooses to follow the instruction. After washing seven times, his skin is restored, like the skin of a little child, and he is clean. The passage presents the healing without explaining a medical process. It also does not say that illness is shameful or that Naaman caused it. Elisha is not shown performing the healing at the river; he has sent a messenger with the instruction.
Look closely
What children can notice
A composition centered on Naaman washing in the Jordan seven times, with seven stones or numbered ripples guiding the viewer through the action. His restored appearance may be shown respectfully at the end, using the passage’s comparison to the skin of a little child without depicting a particular child.
Talk together
Talk about it
- Why do you think Naaman’s servants encouraged him to try the instruction?
- What can we learn from Naaman’s choice to obey?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page to discuss humility, obedience, and God’s power. Invite children to count the seven washes or markers while remembering that people with illness should be treated with dignity and kindness. Avoid graphic details, invented dialogue, or suggesting that sickness is shameful.
Source note
From this passage
2 Kings 5:11-14 · Naaman and Elisha
A composition centered on Naaman washing in the Jordan seven times, with seven stones or numbered ripples guiding the viewer through the action. His restored appearance may be shown respectfully at the end, using the passage’s comparison to the skin of a little child without depicting a particular child.
