Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon with Naaman from the Bible
The "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" is a popular game that connects any actor or actress to Kevin Bacon within six steps. In this article, we will use the same method to connect Naaman from the Bible to Kevin Bacon.
Step 1: Naaman to Elisha
Naaman was a commander in the army of the king of Aram, who had leprosy. He was advised by a young girl to go to Samaria to seek help from the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 5:1-3). Elisha was a successor to the prophet Elijah and was known for performing miracles.
Step 2: Elisha to Elijah
As mentioned earlier, Elisha was a successor to the prophet Elijah. Elijah was known for his showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). After his death, Elisha continued his work and performed many miracles, including healing Naaman’s leprosy.
Step 3: Elijah to John the Baptist
Elijah is also mentioned in the New Testament. In Matthew 17:10-13, Jesus tells his disciples that John the Baptist is the Elijah who was to come. John the Baptist was a prophet who preached repentance and baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.
Step 4: John the Baptist to Jesus
John the Baptist was a forerunner of Jesus, preparing the way for his ministry. He baptized Jesus and recognized him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Jesus performed many miracles and taught about God’s love and forgiveness.
Step 5: Jesus to Peter
Peter was one of Jesus’ disciples and was present for many of his miracles and teachings. He was also the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:16). After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Peter became a leader in the early Christian church and preached to many people.
Step 6: Peter to Kevin Bacon
In the movie "Apollo 13," Kevin Bacon played the role of astronaut Jack Swigert. The film was directed by Ron Howard, who also directed the movie "The Da Vinci Code." In the book and movie, the character of Peter was a central figure in solving the mystery of the Holy Grail.
Bible Verse
Naaman’s story teaches us about the power of faith and obedience. Despite his skepticism, Naaman followed Elisha’s instructions and was healed of his leprosy. This reminds us that when we trust in God and obey his commands, he can work miracles in our lives.
"Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed." – 2 Kings 5:10