Christ-Light Connections: Naaman is brought to Faith & Jonah and the People of Nineveh

Have you ever wondered about all the souls from history that seemingly did not have a chance to hear God’s word? That is a common and good question. After all, doesn’t God want all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4)? These two stories give us a glimpse of God’s love for the gentiles in the Old Testament. These stories help us trust that none of God’s elect throughout history have been lost. 

The Christ-Light theme this week is God wants to share his word with unbelievers.

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OT3 9A

Naaman is Brought to Faith — 2 Kings 5:1-17

Context

At this time Elisha was God’s prophet in Israel. He was a miracle worker who had inherited a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. It is likely that the king of Israel was Jehoram, son of wicked king Ahab. He too was an idol worshiper. 

Recall what it meant to be a leper in Israel. Not only did lepers suffer from the skin disease but also from rejection, and they were exiled from the temple and from the rest of society. In a sense, leprosy was a picture of what sin does to us. Because of sin, humanity will suffer, die, and be eternally separated from God.

Big Ideas

Naaman’s Strengths and Weaknesses (2 Kings 5:17)

As we look at Naaman, an unbelieving gentile and one of God’s elect, consider who he was and his journey to faith. He was a successful and highly respected, mighty military chief valued by his king. He was a man of strength, power, and wealth who was used to honor, victory, and control. 

There are hints of God’s direction in Naaman’s life. The text (2 Kings 5:1) says that the LORD gave him victory. We also surmise that it was no coincidence that a believing Israelite girl had become part of his household.

The degenerative skin disease, no doubt, was slowly robbing Naaman of his abilities, his position, and his control. It had already reduced his ego so that he was willing to accept advice from a young foreign slave girl.

Conversation Starters:

• What if Naaman had always been successful and healthy? How would his story be different?
• How has God used your weaknesses to lead you to seek him?
• Discuss 2 Corinthians 12:9.

The Witness of a Slave Girl (2 Kings 5:2-3)

The unnamed slave girl was of a lowly position but used by God to have a powerful influence. Notice that she did not witness by sitting down with Naaman to give him a Law and Gospel presentation. She merely told him where to go. Not all of our witnessing needs to involve long, deep spiritual conversations. More simply, we can invite others to hear the word. Our invitations may sound like, “come to church,” “come to Bible study,” “come to vacation Bible school,” “come meet my pastor.”

Conversation Starters:

• Name other ways in which you can send someone to hear God’s word.
• Has anyone ever done this for you?

The Washing (2 Kings 5:10-17)

The respected and powerful military leader was insulted by the simple instructions given to him by way of a messenger. He wanted the prophet’s direct attention, a religious ceremony, or something great to do. This humiliating suggestion meant the complete death of Naaman’s ego.

As Naaman washed in the river, his leprosy disappeared, his ego died, and a new man full of faith rose from the waters.

Conversation Starters:

• How does this remind you of baptism?
• Why do our egos resist God’s grace?
• Why did Elisha refuse to accept gifts for this miracle?

Digging Deeper

The Seeds of Faith resource provides Law and Gospel points as well as discussion questions.

OT3 9B

Jonah and the People of Nineveh — Jonah 1-3

Context

The book of Jonah takes place about 80 years after the time of Elisha and approximately 60 years before the Assyrians destroyed the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Israel continued to reject God and worship and serve idols. Yet, in love, God persistently sent his prophets. Jonah was one of these prophets who knew well God’s character and his desire to show mercy and to forgive. 

At this time, Ninevah was a great Assyrian city. The Assyrians were heathen with a reputation of brutality and extreme cruelty.

Big Ideas

Jonah’s Problem (Jonah 4:2)

So with whom does Jonah have the most significant problem? Obviously, he hates the Ninevites, but his bigger problem is with God. Jonah actually understood how vast God’s mercy was and the truth that God wanted all people to be saved. But, Jonah preferred that God’s grace only be given to people who were more deserving (like Israel) and never to the worst of sinners (like the Ninevites). It is not that Jonah didn’t understand God’s grace; it was that he did not agree with it.

Conversation Starters:

• Did Israel deserve God’s grace any more or less than Ninevah? Is it possible to deserve God’s grace more?
• Can you identify the people or the person who is a Ninevite to the church? To you?

God’s Compassion (Jonah 1-4)

The theme of God’s grace and compassion toward sinners repeats many times in the book of Jonah.

Conversation Starters:

• How did God show grace and compassion to the sailors? (Jonah 1:15-16)
• To Jonah? (Jonah 1:17-2:10)
• To Ninevah? (Jonah 3:1-10)
• Again to Jonah? (Jonah 4:1-11)

The Power of the Word (Jonah 3:1-10)

Notice the power of God and his word even in the mouth of a reluctant preacher. One of the most wicked cities in the world humbles itself in repentance before God. Here we see the promise that God gives in Isaiah 55:11 in action. His word will not return empty but achieve the purpose for which God sent it. 

Conversation Starters:

• How do sinful believers find this comforting?
• How could a victim of prejudice find this comforting?
• In Matthew, Jesus refers to Jonah. What is the sign of Jonah, and what does it mean for believers? (Matthew 12:38-41)

Digging Deeper

The Seeds of Faith resource provides Law and Gospel points as well as discussion questions.