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Jesus Helps Me When I’m Sad

A bag too heavy to carry, a gentle picture story about Jesus, and a hide-and-seek picture

  • ☀️ Sunbeams
  • Week 41
  • 📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026
🤔 Forehead Guess🏆 Showdown
💡 The big idea

Jesus carried my sad and hurting feelings, so He can help me feel better.

I can say a prayer when I feel sad, and Jesus can help me feel better.

Study it yourself firstRead Isaiah 50–57 in Gospel LibraryCome, Follow Me manualOpen this week (Isaiah 50–57)
Know the chapters

In Isaiah 50–57, Isaiah looks ahead about 700 years to the Savior. Isaiah 53 describes Someone gentle and quiet “as a lamb” (53:7) who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” (53:4). In the Book of Mormon, Abinadi quoted this chapter and taught that it is about Jesus Christ (Mosiah 14–15). In Gethsemane and on the cross, Jesus took upon Himself our sins, and also our pains and sadness, so He would know exactly how to help us (Alma 7:11–12). Then He rose again.

For three-year-olds, teach one tiny truth: when I feel sad, Jesus can help me feel better. Speak about His suffering gently and briefly (“Jesus felt all our sad and hurt feelings”) and move quickly to the happy news: He is alive, He loves us, and we can pray to Heavenly Father any time. Leave out pictures or descriptions of pain. Sunbeams have big feelings, and learning to name “sad” and knowing what to do with it is real help for them.

Other pieces of these chapters make great moments for little ones: “Awake, awake; put on thy strength” (52:1) is a ready-made wiggle, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found” (55:6) turns into hide-and-seek with a picture of Jesus, and “great shall be the peace of thy children” (54:13) is a lovely promise to share with parents.

Only have 5 minutes?

Put a few books in a tote bag and grab a picture of Jesus. Struggle with the heavy bag and let everyone help lift it, swipe through the picture story, teach “Jesus carried my sad feelings” with the carry-tear-heart motions, and play hide-and-seek with the picture. End with a quiet hug and your testimony. Brought nothing? Tap “I brought nothing”: lift a giant invisible rock together and hide your scriptures instead of the picture.

What to bring5 items

Tick what you have. Forgot something? Every step that needs a supply has a no-supplies version in the plan below.

Before class

  1. Pack the tote bag with books. Check that a three-year-old can budge it but not run off with it.
  2. Pick a hiding spot or two for the picture of Jesus that little eyes can find: on a chair seat, behind a door, under a table.
  3. Add your children’s names in the My Class tab so you can greet each one by name.
  4. Read the story scenes once. Practice saying scene 5 slowly and softly; it is the tender part.

If your class is wild

  • Some Sunbeams cry when a parent leaves. Let the parent stay a few minutes, then invite the child to be your “bag helper” in the hook. Keep the soft stuffed animal nearby for anyone who needs a cuddle.
  • This lesson talks about sad feelings. If a child shares something real (a lost pet, a new baby, a move), thank them, give them a gentle “Jesus knows how you feel,” and mention it to their parent after class.
  • Attention signal: you say “Awake, awake!” and they answer “I’m strong!” with muscle arms, then sit down.
  • Potty breaks: follow your ward’s policy (usually a parent or the second adult takes the child). Two adults stay with the children, so never leave the class alone.
  • If you bring a snack, check allergies with every parent and your ward’s policy first.

The 25-minute plan22 min + bonus

Bonus steps are for when you have extra time. Steps that mention Teach Mode, the Sound Board or other class games refer to the Gospel Sparks app; on the web you can play Forehead Guess and Scripture Showdown from this page.

1. Hook

Uh-oh, So Heavy!

3 min

Lifting something heavy together gives three-year-olds a feeling they can remember: things are lighter when someone helps.

  1. Carry in the heavy bag and pretend to struggle: “Oof! Ugh! This is SO heavy!”
  2. Let two or three children try to lift it while you stay right beside them. Say: “Whew! It’s heavy for you too!”
  3. SAY“Can everybody help me?” Everyone puts a hand on the bag, and you lift it together. “Wow! It’s so much lighter when someone helps!”
  4. SAY“Sometimes we feel sad. Sad feelings can feel heavy, like this bag. Today we’ll learn that Jesus helps carry our sad feelings.”
🌪️ Only children sitting on their spots get a turn to lift. Keep the bag low to the floor, and keep one hand on it.

Class screen: 🎒 Oof! This bag is SO heavy!

No supplies? Do this instead

Instead of: A tote bag or backpack with a few books inside (heavy enough to be a struggle, light enough to be safe)

The Giant Invisible Rock

  1. Squat down and pretend to lift a giant invisible rock: “Oof! Ugh! This rock is SO heavy!”
  2. Let two or three children try to lift it. Everyone groans with them: “Ugh!”
  3. SAY“Can everybody help me?” Everyone crowds around, grabs the invisible rock, and lifts it together. “Wow! It’s so much lighter when someone helps!”
  4. SAY“Sometimes we feel sad. Sad feelings can feel heavy, like this rock. Today we’ll learn that Jesus helps carry our sad feelings.”

Class screen: 🪨 Oof! This rock is SO heavy!

2. Story

Picture Story: Isaiah Told About Jesus

5 min

Seven gentle picture scenes show that Jesus knows our sad feelings and is alive to help us.

  1. Sit close together on the floor. Say: “Isaiah told people about Jesus a long, long time ago. Let’s see!”
  2. Swipe through the scenes on your phone or tablet. Read the short sentences, then do the action together.
  3. Slow down and lower your voice for scene 5. Then make scene 6 big and happy.
  4. After scenes 4 and 7, say together: “Jesus carried my sad feelings.”
🌪️ If they get loud at scene 6, whisper the next line. They will lean in to hear you.

Class screen: 📜 Isaiah told about Jesus!

3. Wiggle break

Awake, Awake!

2 min

Isaiah 52:1 becomes a wake-up-and-get-strong wiggle that three-year-olds will beg to repeat.

  1. SAY“Everybody lie down and go to sleep.” Snore together: “Zzzz…”
  2. SAY“Isaiah said, ‘Awake, awake; put on thy strength!’” Everyone jumps up and makes big muscles.
  3. Do it two more times: sleep, wake, muscles!
  4. Sing “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” (Children’s Songbook, 275) once slow and once super fast.

Class screen: 💪 Awake, awake! Be strong! · Zzzz… · Awake! · Muscles!

4. Scripture

Our Little Verse: Isaiah 53:4

3 min

Carry-tear-heart motions help Sunbeams remember that Jesus carried their sad feelings.

  1. Hold up your scriptures. Say: “Isaiah wrote about Jesus in the Bible. Listen!”
  2. Read Isaiah 53:4 slowly: “he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.” Say: “That means Jesus carried our sad feelings.”
  3. Teach the motions (see Key Verse) one at a time. Then say it together: “Jesus carried my sad feelings.”
  4. Say it three ways: a mouse whisper, a regular voice, and a big strong voice.
  5. End each time with a hug and a smile.

Class screen: 📖 Jesus carried my sad feelings. · ☝️ Jesus · 🎒 carried · 😢 my sad · ❤️ feelings

5. Game

Where Is Jesus?

3 min

Hide-and-seek with a picture of Jesus acts out Isaiah 55:6: we can always look for Jesus and find Him.

  1. Show the picture. Say: “This is a picture of Jesus. Cover your eyes!” Hide it somewhere easy to find.
  2. SAY“Isaiah said to look for Jesus. Open your eyes and look! Walking feet!”
  3. When someone finds it, everyone cheers: “We found Jesus!” Ask the finder: “How can we find Jesus?” Help with answers: pray, sing, go to church, be kind.
  4. Let the finder hide it next (whisper a spot to them). Play three or four rounds.
  5. Sing a little of “Seek the Lord Early” (Children’s Songbook, 108) while you look, if you know it.
🌪️ Hide the picture in plain sight at child height. Three-year-olds get upset if the search takes too long.

Class screen: 🔍 Look for the picture of Jesus!

No supplies? Do this instead

Instead of: A picture of Jesus Christ (from your meetinghouse library, a Friend magazine, or home)

Where Are the Stories About Jesus?

  1. Hold up your scriptures. Say: “This book has stories about Jesus. Cover your eyes!” Put it somewhere easy to find.
  2. SAY“Isaiah said to look for Jesus. Open your eyes and look! Walking feet!”
  3. When someone finds it, everyone cheers: “We found the stories about Jesus!” Ask: “How can we find Jesus?” Help with answers: pray, sing, go to church, be kind.
  4. Let the finder hide it next (whisper a spot to them). Play three or four rounds.

Class screen: 📖 Find the book about Jesus!

6. Talk it over

How Do You Feel?

2 min

Naming feelings with faces and knowing what to do when sad is a real gift to a three-year-old.

  1. Sit in a circle. Show one question at a time on your phone or tablet and read it out loud.
  2. Let them answer with faces and actions. Share your own quick answer too.
💬 Ask the class
  • Show me a happy face! Now show me a sad face.
  • What makes you feel sad?
  • What can you do when you feel sad? (Pray, hug someone, tell Mommy or Daddy.)
  • Who can help us feel better? Show me how you fold your arms to pray.

Class screen: 💬 Show me!

7. Song

Sing About Jesus

2 min

A gentle song about Jesus settles the room before the testimony.

  1. SAY“Let’s sit criss-cross and sing a song about Jesus.”
  2. Sing “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 57). Rock side to side together while you sing.
  3. If they don’t know it yet, sing it slowly and let them rock and hum.

Class screen: 🎵 Let’s sing about Jesus!

8. Testimony

A Quiet Hug

2 min

A calm, personal moment helps each child feel that Jesus loves them and can comfort them.

  1. Lower your voice. Hold the soft stuffed animal and say: “When I feel sad, a hug helps me feel better.”
  2. Pass it gently around the circle. As each child hugs it, say softly: “Jesus loves you, Emma.”
  3. SAY“Jesus carried our sad feelings. When you feel sad, you can pray, and He can help you feel better.”
  4. Share one simple sentence: “I know Jesus loves me. When I’m sad, I pray, and He helps me.”
  5. Fold arms for the closing prayer. Whisper the words for the child who prays, a few at a time.

Class screen: 🤗 Jesus loves you and helps you. · When I’m sad, I can pray

No supplies? Do this instead

Instead of: A soft stuffed animal for the quiet hug at the end

  1. Lower your voice. Say: “When I feel sad, a hug helps me feel better. Wrap your arms around yourself.”
  2. Go around the circle. As you say each name softly, that child gives themselves a big hug: “Jesus loves you, Emma.”
  3. SAY“Jesus carried our sad feelings. When you feel sad, you can pray, and He can help you feel better.”
  4. Share one simple sentence: “I know Jesus loves me. When I’m sad, I pray, and He helps me.”
  5. Fold arms for the closing prayer. Whisper the words for the child who prays, a few at a time.
9. Game

What’s Hiding? Mystery Picture

3 minBONUS

A picture reveal reviews the story if you have a few extra minutes.

  1. Tap Mystery Picture. A picture from today’s lesson is hiding behind tiles.
  2. Ask a quick “show me”: “Show me a sad face!” “Show me big muscles!” After each one, tap away a tile.
  3. Let everyone shout a guess. When the picture is uncovered, act it out together.
🧩 Mystery Picture (a class game in the Gospel Sparks app)

Class screen: 🖼️ What’s hiding?

Story drama

Isaiah Told About Jesus

Isaiah 53:3–7; Mark 10:13–16; Luke 22:39–44; Luke 24:1–6 ↗

Parts to hand out

  • Isaiah’s HelperHolds up a pretend scroll and says, “Jesus is coming!”
  • Little LambsEveryone pets their arm gently and whispers “baa” in scene 2.
  • Baby RockersEveryone rocks a pretend baby in scene 3.
  • Hug HelpersEveryone turns a sad face into a smile and hugs themselves when Jesus helps.
  • Sunrise JumpersEveryone curls up small, then jumps up tall and cheers, “He is alive!”

Scenes

  1. 🧔📜 Isaiah told about Jesus

    Long, long before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah told everyone about Him. Isaiah’s Helper, hold up the scroll!

    🎬 Isaiah’s Helper holds a pretend scroll and says, “Jesus is coming!” Everyone claps.

  2. 🐑🤍 Gentle like a little lamb

    Isaiah said Jesus would be gentle and kind, like a soft little lamb.

    🎬 Pet your arm very softly and whisper, “Baa.”

  3. 👶⭐ Baby Jesus was born

    Then, just like the prophets said, baby Jesus was born.

    🎬 Rock a pretend baby and whisper, “Shh, shh.”

  4. 🤗😢 Jesus helped sad people

    When Jesus grew up, He helped sad people, sick people, and hurt people. He held the little children and blessed them.

    🎬 Show a sad face… then give yourself a hug and smile.

  5. 🌳🙏 Jesus prayed in a garden

    One night Jesus prayed in a garden. He felt all our sad and hurt feelings, so He would always know how to help us.

    🎬 Fold your arms and bow your head. Be very, very quiet.

  6. 🌅😊 Jesus is alive again!

    Jesus died, and then He came back to life! He is alive today, and He loves you.

    🎬 Curl up small, then jump up tall and cheer, “He is alive!”

  7. 🙏💛 When I’m sad, Jesus helps me

    When you feel sad, you can say a prayer. Jesus loves you and can help you feel better.

    🎬 Make a sad face, fold your arms, then open them wide with a big smile.

Key verse

Isaiah 53:4 ↗
“he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows”
In kid words: Jesus carried my sad feelings.
🙌 “Jesus” = point up · “carried” = scoop your arms like carrying a big heavy bag · “my sad” = trace a tear down your cheek with one finger · “feelings” = both hands on your heart · then give yourself a hug and smile!

More verses

Isaiah 53:7 ↗
“he is brought as a lamb”
In kid words: Isaiah said Jesus would be gentle and quiet, like a lamb.
Isaiah 55:6 ↗
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found”
In kid words: Look for Jesus! We find Him when we pray, sing, and learn about Him.
Isaiah 54:13 ↗
“great shall be the peace of thy children”
In kid words: Heavenly Father wants children to feel happy and calm inside.
Mark 10:16 ↗
“And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.”
In kid words: Jesus held the little children and blessed them.

Forehead Guess words14 words

  • 🐑 Lamb
  • 🧔 Isaiah
  • 📜 Scroll
  • 👶 Baby
  • ⭐ Star
  • 🌳 Garden
  • 🙏 Prayer
  • 😢 Sad
  • 😊 Happy
  • 🤗 Hug
  • 🎒 Heavy Bag
  • 🌅 Sunrise
  • ❤️ Heart
  • 💪 Muscles
Clues for each word
  • Lamb: Soft and gentle. Says baa!
  • Isaiah: The prophet who told about Jesus
  • Scroll: Rolled-up paper Isaiah wrote on
  • Baby: Jesus was born as one
  • Star: Twinkles in the night sky
  • Garden: Where Jesus prayed
  • Prayer: Fold your arms and talk to Heavenly Father
  • Sad: Show me a frowny face
  • Happy: Show me a big smile
  • Hug: Wrap your arms around someone
  • Heavy Bag: Oof! Lift it together!
  • Sunrise: Morning light. Jesus is alive!
  • Heart: It means love
  • Muscles: Awake, awake! Be strong!
▶ Play Forehead GuessFull screen, 60-second timer, works on any phone.

Scripture Showdown7 questions

  1. Which face is sad?
    • A. 😊 Happy
    • B. 😢 Sad
    Show answer

    ✅ B. 😢 Sad It’s okay to feel sad. Jesus can help us feel better.

  2. Isaiah said Jesus would be gentle like a…
    • A. 🦁 Lion
    • B. 🦖 Dinosaur
    • C. 🐑 Lamb
    Show answer

    ✅ C. 🐑 Lamb Isaiah 53:7. Jesus is gentle and kind, like a soft little lamb.

  3. What can you do when you feel sad?
    • A. 🙏 Say a prayer
    • B. 🦶 Kick the wall
    Show answer

    ✅ A. 🙏 Say a prayer We can pray any time. Heavenly Father and Jesus love to help us.

  4. Who carried our sad feelings?
    • A. 🧸 My teddy bear
    • B. ❤️ Jesus
    Show answer

    ✅ B. ❤️ Jesus Isaiah 53:4. Jesus carried our sad feelings so He can help us.

  5. Where did Jesus pray?
    • A. 🌳 In a garden
    • B. 🏊 In a pool
    Show answer

    ✅ A. 🌳 In a garden Jesus prayed in a garden, and He felt all our sad feelings there.

  6. Is Jesus alive today?
    • A. 😴 No
    • B. 😊 Yes!
    Show answer

    ✅ B. 😊 Yes! Jesus came back to life! He is alive, and He loves you.

  7. Which one is heavy?
    • A. 🪶 A feather
    • B. 🪨 A big rock
    Show answer

    ✅ B. 🪨 A big rock Sad feelings can feel heavy like a rock. Jesus helps us carry them.

▶ Play Scripture ShowdownTeams take turns on one screen.

Songs

  • Tell Me the Stories of Jesus Children’s Songbook, p. 57

    A gentle song right after the story and before the testimony. Find it ↗

  • Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes Children’s Songbook, p. 275

    Sing it slow, then super fast, after the Awake, Awake! wiggle. Find it ↗

  • Seek the Lord Early Children’s Songbook, p. 108

    Hum it while the children look for the picture of Jesus (Isaiah 55:6). Find it ↗

This week’s challenge

Sad-to-Glad Prayer

This week, when you feel sad, fold your arms and say a little prayer (Mom or Dad can help). Then give yourself a hug and remember: Jesus loves me and can help me feel better.

Text the parents

Today your Sunbeam learned from Isaiah 53 that Jesus “carried our sorrows”: He knows our sad feelings and can help us feel better. We lifted a heavy bag together, heard a gentle story about Jesus, and played hide-and-seek with a picture of Jesus. Ask your child: “What can you do when you feel sad?” (Say a prayer!) Then practice folding arms together.

📝 After class

What worked? Who needs a check-in this week? Jot it here on a printed copy, or in the app’s private class notes.

Got extra time?

👣 Happy News Feet · 2 min

  1. SAY“Isaiah said the feet of people who share happy news are beautiful” (Isaiah 52:7).
  2. Everyone marches around the room on happy feet. When you say “Stop!”, they freeze and shout the happy news: “Jesus loves you!”
  3. Do it three or four times: tiptoe feet, stompy feet, hopping feet.

⛰️ Mountains Move, Love Stays · 2 min

  1. Everyone stands tall like a mountain with arms making a peak.
  2. SAY“Isaiah said even mountains could move away…” Everyone shuffles to a new spot.
  3. SAY“…but Heavenly Father’s kindness will never go away from you” (Isaiah 54:10). Everyone gives themselves a big hug.

🙂 Feelings Faces · 3 min

  1. Call out a feeling: happy, sad, mad, scared, sleepy, silly. Everyone makes that face.
  2. After each one, ask: “What can we do when we feel that way?” Help with gentle answers: pray, hug, take a deep breath, tell a grown-up.
  3. End with a happy face: “Jesus loves us when we feel every feeling.”

Sources

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version, the Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tap or click a reference to open it in Gospel Library. Start with the official Come, Follow Me manual; these ideas are here to help it come alive.

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