The story of Naaman, a powerful Syrian general, is found in 2 Kings 5:1-19
The story of Naaman, found in 2 Kings 5:1-19, highlights the unexpected role of a young Israelite servant girl in bringing healing to a powerful Syrian general. Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, was a mighty warrior, but he suffered from leprosy, a debilitating and socially isolating disease. Desperate for a cure, Naaman traveled to Israel, seeking healing from the renowned prophet Elisha.
Children’s Sermon Message: Naaman Healed (2 Kings 5:1-14)
Bible lesson for children: 2 Kings 5:1-14
1 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.
2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife.
3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”
4 Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said.
5 “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied. “I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels[c] of gold and ten sets of clothing.
6 The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”
7 As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!”
8 When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house.
10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”
11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.
12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage. https://ministry-to-children.com/naam…
13 Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!”
14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. -2 Kings 5:1-14
The Servant Girl’s Role:
- Witness to God’s Power: As a captive in the Syrian household, the young Israelite girl had likely witnessed the power of God in the lives of her people. She had heard of Elisha’s miracles and, despite her lowly status, she believed in the prophet’s ability to heal.
- A Voice of Hope: Recognizing Naaman’s suffering, the servant girl spoke up. She told Naaman’s wife about Elisha and suggested that her husband seek his help.
- A Catalyst for Change: The servant girl’s simple words set in motion a chain of events that led to Naaman’s healing. Her faith in God and her willingness to speak up, despite her humble position, played a crucial role in bringing about a miraculous outcome.
Significance of the Servant Girl’s Actions:
- The Power of Faith: The story demonstrates the power of faith, even in the face of adversity. The servant girl, despite being a captive and seemingly insignificant, possessed a deep faith in God and His ability to heal.
- The Importance of Speaking Up: The servant girl’s willingness to speak up, even when it might have been risky, highlights the importance of using our voices for good.
- God Uses Unexpected People: The story reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their social status or background, to accomplish His purposes.
Key Takeaways for Children:
- Even small voices can make a big difference.
- Faith in God can move mountains.
- God uses everyone in His plan.
The story of the servant girl serves as an inspiring reminder that even the smallest acts of faith can have profound and unexpected consequences. It encourages children to believe in the power of God and to use their voices to share His love and compassion with the world.
This analysis explores the significant role of the servant girl in the story of Naaman, highlighting the power of faith, the importance of speaking up, and the unexpected ways God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
More Children’s Ministry Teaching Ideas
- Watch our children’s sermon lesson and Bible craft directions on 2 Kings 5:1-14
- Compare our full Naaman Healed Sunday School Lesson and Children’s Bible Lesson on Naaman
- Browse all the lesson activities on the Story of Naaman for kids from Ministry-To-Children
- Compare the Mission Bible Class lessons on the Healing of Naaman
- Read the Bible Story of Naaman from 10 Bible Verses
Craft one: “Healed Naaman Puppet”
You will need:
- Paper plates or paper bags
- Crayons or markers
- Popsicle sticks
- Glue or tape
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Stickers, google eyes, or other decorative items.
Procedure:
- Decorate the paper plate or bag on one side with a “sad Naaman Leper” face.
- Add leprosy spots and facial features, as well as a caption or verse.
- On the other side of the plate or bag, decorate a “happy healed Naaman” face, minus the spots.
- Attach a popsicle stick, if using the plate and desiring to make it into a puppet or mask.
- Use the puppet to help tell the story of Naaman’s healing!
Craft Two: “Naaman Cup Puppet”
You will need:
- Construction Paper or cardstock
- Paper or foam cups
- Stapler (or glue/tape)
- Popsicle sticks
- Scissors
- Decorative elements as desired
- Markers or crayons
Procedure:
1. Draw and decorate a small Naaman figure, or print one from a computer template.
2. Cut out the figure and attach to a popsicle stick.
3. Decorate the outside of a cup, adding “watery” wave elements to represent the river.
4. Add verses and captions as desired.
5. Poke the popsicle stick into the bottom of the cup. Insert the Naaman figure so it can go up and down in the water to be “healed”! Alternatively, draw a scene on paper and cut a slit for the Naaman puppet to fit into as you re-tell the story.
