Before You Teach
A prep snapshot before the full lesson flow.
This week is about Jesus loving us so much that He helps carry our sad and heavy feelings. Isaiah told about Jesus long before Jesus was born. Isaiah said Jesus would take our "griefs" and "sorrows," which are our sad and hard things. Jesus also invites everyone to come to Him.
Long ago, the prophet Isaiah told a promise about Jesus. He said Jesus would be gentle and kind, like a lamb. Isaiah said sad and heavy feelings can weigh us down, like carrying something too big. Then he shared the good news: Jesus would carry those heavy feelings for us so we do not carry them alone. Isaiah also said Jesus wants us to look for Him and come close, because Jesus loves us and never stops loving us.
Little children feel sad, scared, or heavy sometimes too. Keep it simple: Jesus loves them and helps them when they feel sad. They do not need to carry big feelings alone. Let them feel warm and safe, and let them DO the "heavy to light" idea with their hands and bodies.
Full Lesson Flow
Use the sections below as a menu. Swap cards and activities to keep the class interactive.
Big smiles. Ask: "Can you show me a happy face? Now show me a sad face!" Let them make both faces.
Say: "Sometimes we feel happy, and sometimes we feel sad or heavy. Today we learn that Jesus helps us carry the heavy feelings. Jesus loves us!"
Option (second opening): Hold up a heavy bag or a stack of books. "Ooh, this is HEAVY! Can you help me lift it?" Let a few children try. "Some feelings feel heavy too. Guess who helps us carry them? Jesus!"
Gather close. Use a soft toy lamb or a lamb picture if you have one.
Say: "A long time ago, before Jesus was even born, a prophet named Isaiah told a special promise about Jesus."
Say: "Jesus loves us so much. He helps us when we feel sad or heavy."
Jesus loves me and helps carry my heavy feelings.
Say it together with actions: arms heavy ("Jesus helps me"), then arms light and happy ("Jesus loves me!"). Repeat this all through class.
Activity options
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Show "Jesus Christ" or "Jesus with the children" (Jesus Blessing the Nephite Children, Gospel Art Book, no. 84) or a picture of a child praying.
Ask:
Sing "Jesus Said Love Everyone" (Children's Songbook, 61) or "Seek the Lord Early" (Children's Songbook, 108).
Simple actions for "Jesus Said Love Everyone":
Gather close and soft. Invite each child to finish one sentence:
Then all together, arms heavy then light: "Jesus loves me and helps carry my heavy feelings!"
This week, give someone in your family a big hug. When you hug them, remember: Jesus loves you and helps you feel light and happy.
