In this lesson, children learn that God can heal anyone, even when the healing comes in a surprising way that asks us to trust and obey. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is able to heal, and when we listen to Him and obey, even hard or silly-sounding instructions can lead to wonderful things.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 5:14
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and pretend to wash their hands, rubbing them together slowly and then splashing gently with their fingers. Each time you say “clean,” they clap once. Repeat the motions three times so the words and actions stick together.
The Story: 2 Kings 5 for Kids
Naaman was the captain of the army of the king of Syria. He was a brave and important man, and the king trusted him. But Naaman had a serious skin sickness called leprosy, and no doctor could cure it.
A little girl from Israel worked as a helper in Naaman’s house. She had been taken from her home during a war. She felt sad for Naaman, so she said to his wife, “I wish my master could meet the prophet in Samaria. He would make him better!” Naaman heard about this and told the king.
The king of Syria sent Naaman to the king of Israel with a letter and many gifts of silver, gold, and fine clothes. But the king of Israel was upset and tore his clothes. He said, “Am I God, to heal a man?” Then Elisha, the prophet of God, heard about it and said, “Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a prophet in Israel.”
Naaman came to Elisha’s house with his horses and chariots. But Elisha did not come outside to meet him. Elisha sent a messenger who said, “Go and wash in the Jordan River seven times, and you will be clean.” Naaman got angry. He said the rivers in his own country were better than the Jordan, and he walked away in a rage.
Naaman’s servants gently talked to him. They said, “If the prophet had asked you to do something hard, you would have done it. So why not do this simple thing?” Naaman listened. He went down to the river and dipped himself in the water seven times. When he came up, his skin was clean and healthy, like a little child’s!
Naaman went back to Elisha and said, “Now I know there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.” He wanted to give Elisha a gift, but Elisha would not take it, because God had done the healing, not him. Naaman learned that God is the one who heals.
Read It Together
2 Kings 5:3
She said to her mistress, “I wish that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would heal him of his leprosy.”
(WEB)
Point out that the little girl did not have power or a fancy title, yet she spoke up and told the truth about God’s prophet. Ask children how they can speak kindly and bravely about God even when they are young.
2 Kings 5:10
Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean.”
(WEB)
Show children that God’s instructions through Elisha were simple: wash seven times in the river. Explain that Naaman had to decide whether to trust God’s simple command or stay proud and angry.
2 Kings 5:15-16
15 He returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him; and he said, “See now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel. Now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” He urged him to take it; but he refused.
(WEB)
Point out that Elisha refused the gift because he wanted Naaman to know that God, not people, does the healing. Talk about how we give thanks to God and do not take credit for good things He does.
Talk About It
- What did the little girl do that helped Naaman, even though she was far from home?
- Why do you think Naaman got angry when Elisha told him to wash in the river?
- What did Naaman’s servants say that helped him change his mind?
- How do you feel when you obey a grown-up even when you don’t understand why?
- Who did Naaman say heals people, and how did his heart change at the end of the story?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Skin Makeover
You will need paper plates, crayons or washable markers, and a few cotton balls. Have each child draw a picture of Naaman on a paper plate, showing his sore skin with dots or spots. Then let them glue cotton balls on top to show the spots disappearing. Talk about how God made Naaman clean.
Seven Splashes Game
You will need a large bowl or bucket of water and a towel. Have children take turns dipping their hands in the water and splashing it on a small cup. Count together to seven each time. Stop at seven and cheer, reminding the group that Naaman obeyed God seven times.
Take-Home Obedience Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a small rubber band. Write “God can help me obey, even when it is hard” on each card. Let children decorate the card and take it home. Encourage them to read it at bedtime and tell a family member one time they obeyed something hard.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God’s healing is a gift of grace, not something earned by status, wealth, or clever plans. Naaman had to humble himself and trust a simple command, and the story reminds us that God often works through ordinary means and obedient hearts. The little servant girl also shows that God uses faithful people wherever they are placed.
Be careful not to suggest to children that obeying God always brings physical healing or that sickness is a sign of disobedience. The story teaches trust and humility, and it is wise to be honest that God does not always heal in the way we hope, while He is always faithful.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You can heal and that You are always listening to us. Help us to trust You and obey You, even when Your ways seem simple or strange. Help us to give You thanks for every good gift. Amen.
