For Young People

A Leper Is Healed!

Instructions: Do this exercise in quiet surroundings. As you read the scriptures, imagine that you are part of the event. Visualize the scene. Hear the voices. Feel the emotions of the characters. Let the account come to life.

Main characters: Naaman, Elisha, and an unnamed Israelite girl

Summary: The Syrian army chief Naaman is cured of a loathsome disease after an Israelite girl recommends that he see Elisha.

1 ANALYZE THE SCENE.​—READ 2 KINGS 5:1-19.

What emotions must the little Israelite girl have had to cope with, considering that she was taken from her God-fearing family?

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What frustration do you perceive in Naaman​—a mighty man with a debilitating disease?

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What emotions do you sense in the dialogue between Naaman and his servants in verses 11 through 13?

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What change of attitude on Naaman’s part do you detect beginning in verse 15?

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2 DIG DEEPER.

What factors might have contributed to Naaman’s pride? (Reread verse 1.)

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Using research materials at your disposal, find out something about leprosy in Bible times.a (For example, how serious was the disease? Was it contagious? How was it treated?)

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What effect do you think Naaman’s healing may have had on the little Israelite girl?

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In what way might Elisha’s response have tested Naaman? (See verse 10.)

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3 APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED. WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU LEARNED ABOUT . . .

The dangers of pride.

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Boldness in speaking up about your beliefs.

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Jehovah’s power to heal sickness.

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4 WHAT ASPECT OF THIS ACCOUNT IS MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU, AND WHY?

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IF YOU DON’T HAVE A BIBLE, ASK JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES FOR ONE, OR READ IT ONLINE AT www.watchtower.org

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