Naaman Cured of Leprosy, by Paul Mann
2 Kings 2–7: Lesson 84
2 Kings 5
“Small and Simple Things”
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
Sometimes we may not recognize the spiritual value of doing the small things Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ invite us to do. In 2 Kings 5, the Lord invited Naaman, a Syrian captain, to do a small thing to be healed. But Naaman had hoped for something grander. This lesson can help you desire to do small and simple things to follow the Lord.
Study the Scriptures
Drip irrigation is a technique used to water plants. Unlike other forms of irrigation that apply large amounts of water infrequently, drip irrigation involves slowly dripping small amounts of water onto the soil. The steady drips of water keep the soil moist where it is most useful to the plants.
Take a moment to reflect on the small efforts you are making as a disciple of Jesus Christ and the results you are experiencing. Then ponder the truthfulness of this statement for you:
I recognize how the small and simple things I do, or don’t do, affect my life and my relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
2 Kings 5 contains the account of Naaman, a Syrian captain who learned a powerful lesson about doing the small and simple things the Lord commands.
Read 2 Kings 5:1. Mark everything you learn about Naaman. (Note: “captain of the host” means commander of the Syrian army.)
Read 2 Kings 5:2–4, 9–14. Look for what Elisha, a prophet of God, told Naaman to do to be healed of his leprosy.
What are some important lessons a teenager today could learn from Naaman’s experience? You might watch “Naaman and Elisha” (14:30) to help you find lessons.
Next to one of the verses in 2 Kings 5, create a note with any lessons you learned from Naaman’s experience. You might also include the following truth: obedience to the Lord’s small and simple invitations brings great blessings.
Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.
Option A
What are some of the small and simple invitations the Lord gives?
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
Consider the scripture study we’ve been taught to incorporate into our daily lives. Or consider the personal prayers and the kneeling family prayers that are regular practices for faithful Latter-day Saints. Consider attendance at seminary for youth or institute classes for young adults. Though each of these practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because each of these small and simple things invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth. (“Small and Simple Things,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 90).
In your notebook, make a list of five or more small and simple things you could do that can lead to great blessings. Include things you think of on your own and those you found in President Oaks’s statement. Then follow the steps below:
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Choose one of the small and simple things the Lord has invited you to do from your list.
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Search the scriptures and words of the prophets, looking for the great blessings the Lord offers if we do this small and simple thing.
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Record or draw in your notebook the blessings you found.
Watch “Abide the Day in Christ,” from time code 2:30 to 4:23, to see how Sister Amy A. Wright, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, and her family were strengthened through the small and simple things they had done.
Option B
How can sharing a small and simple testimony make a difference?
Ella’s friend Greta isn’t familiar with the restored Church. Greta’s mother recently died, and Ella sees how Greta is struggling. Ella wants to share about eternal families and that Greta can be with her mom again, but she is nervous and doesn’t want to offend Greta.
Why might someone be nervous to share truths about the restored gospel?
The story of Naaman can also help us see the importance of listening to the people Heavenly Father has placed in our lives.
Read the following passages, looking specifically for who gave each message. Mark who they were and the small and simple testimony or message they gave Naaman.
Respond to the following questions in your notebook:
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How did each of these small and simple messages help Naaman strengthen his relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
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What advice might you give Ella that could help her share the truths she knows with Greta?
Now What?
Read 2 Kings 5:15. Mark how a small invitation from the Lord’s prophet changed Naaman’s testimony.
Respond to one or both of the following questions in your notebook:
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Think of a small and simple thing the Lord has asked you to do that you feel you are already doing well. How has obeying the Lord’s instruction strengthened your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
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Select a small and simple thing the Lord has asked you to do that you feel inspired to do better. What will you do to improve your obedience to the Lord’s invitation? How could that strengthen your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you desire to do the small and simple things to follow the Lord.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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The small and simple thing you chose to study and one of the promised blessings you found.
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Your advice to Ella that could help her share truths she knows with Greta.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?