Jesus Cares When I Am Sad
Bible Passage: John 11:35 — “Jesus wept.”
Age Group: 4–10 years
Time Length: 30–40 minutes
🌱 Lesson Introduction
This Sunday School lesson for kids teaches children that Jesus understands their feelings and cares deeply when they are sad. Based on John 11:35, this meaningful Bible lesson for children shows kids that even Jesus cried, helping them see that emotions are not wrong and that God is close when they feel hurt or lonely. Designed for ages 4–10, this Christian lesson for kids works well for Sunday School, homeschool, or a children’s church lesson.
In this faith-based lesson for kids, children will hear a gentle Bible story, take part in guided discussion, and learn how to talk to Jesus about their feelings. Kids will also enjoy a simple craft activity, practice a short memory verse with motions, and pray together as a class. Each part of the lesson helps children understand God’s love in a way they can relate to at home, at school, and with friends. This lesson helps children grow in faith by learning to trust Jesus with their emotions and depend on Him in real life.
1️. Welcome, Opening Prayer & Worship Time
Welcome (Teacher Script)
“Good morning, friends! I’m so happy you’re here today. Today we’re going to talk about something everyone feels sometimes — sadness. Did you know Jesus understands our feelings? He loves us very much and cares when we are sad.”
Opening Prayer (Repeat After Me)
“Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me.
Thank You for caring about my feelings.
Help me trust You when I feel sad.
Amen.”
🎶 Worship Songs
Jesus Loves Me (hug arms, point to heart)
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands (cup hands, point to self)
2️. Bible Story (John 11:35)
“Jesus had good friends named Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. One day, Lazarus died. Mary and Martha were very sad. They cried because they missed him. When Jesus came and saw His friends crying, He felt sad too. The Bible says, ‘Jesus wept.’ That means Jesus cried. Jesus is God’s Son, but He still has feelings. He cried because He loved His friends. This story shows us that Jesus cares when we are sad and understands how we feel.”
3️. Discussion & Application (Expanded – Heart Level)
Guided Conversation (Teacher-Led)
Teacher says:
“Friends, let’s sit very still for a moment.
Let’s think about our hearts.”
Question:
“Have you ever felt sad?”
(Pause. Let children raise hands or nod.)
Teacher explains:
“Feeling sad is not bad.
Everyone feels sad sometimes.
Even grown-ups feel sad.
And the Bible shows us that Jesus felt sad too.”
Question:
“Why do you think Jesus cried when His friends were crying?”
(Let kids answer.)
Teacher explains gently:
“Jesus cried because He loved His friends very much.
When they hurt, He hurt.
When they cried, He cried.
That tells us something very important about God.”
👉 God is not far away.
👉 God sees our tears.
👉 God cares about our hearts.
🌱 Bringing It to Their Life
Teacher says:
“Sometimes we feel sad and we don’t know what to do.
But Jesus understands.
He does not get mad at us for crying.
He wants us to come to Him.”
🤔 “What Would You Do If…?” (Real-Life Scenarios)
Scenario 1:
“What would you do if you felt sad at school because someone was unkind?”
Teacher guides:
“You might feel like crying.
You might feel alone.
But you can whisper a prayer and say,
‘Jesus, I feel sad. Please help me.’”
Scenario 2:
“What if you miss someone you love and your heart hurts?”
Teacher guides:
“You can talk to Jesus like a friend.
You can tell Him exactly how you feel.
Jesus listens.
Jesus cares.”
Scenario 3 (Optional):
“What if you feel sad but don’t know why?”
Teacher explains:
“That’s okay too.
You can still come to Jesus.
You don’t need big words.
You just need an honest heart.”
❤️ Faith Moment (Heart Connection)
Teacher says softly:
“Let’s do something special.”
“Put one hand on your heart.”
(Pause)
“Jesus sees your heart.”
“Jesus knows your feelings.”
Everyone says together:
👉 ‘Jesus, I trust You with my feelings.’
Teacher closes this section with:
“When you feel sad, remember this:
You are not alone.
Jesus is with you.
And Jesus cares.”
4️. Craft Activity: “Jesus Cares About My Feelings” Heart Pocket
✂️ Purpose (Teacher-Friendly Explanation)
This craft helps children:
Recognize their feelings
Name their sadness
Give those feelings to Jesus
Remember that Jesus cares when they feel sad
The heart becomes a safe place where kids “give” their sadness to Jesus in prayer.
🧺 Materials (Per Child)
2 red cardstock hearts- [AMAZON LINK]
Crayons - [AMAZON LINK]
markers- [AMAZON LINK]
Gems or stickers- [AMAZON LINK]
Glue stick- [AMAZON LINK]
1–2 small paper strips (white or light color, pre-cut)
5️. Memory Verse (With Motions)
Verse: “Jesus wept.” — John 11:35
Jesus → Point up
Wept → Wipe pretend tears
Repeat together slowly, then with motions.
6️. Weekly Challenge
When you feel sad this week, stop and pray:
“Jesus, I feel sad. Please help me.”
Tell someone when you prayed.
7️. Closing Prayer
“Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me and caring about my feelings. Help me trust You when I feel sad. Amen.”
8️. Final Questions & Review
1. Who was sad in our Bible story?
👉 Mary and Martha were sad because their brother Lazarus died.
2. What did Jesus do when He saw His friends crying?
👉 Jesus cried too. The Bible says, “Jesus wept.”
3. What does “Jesus wept” mean?
👉 It means Jesus cried because He loved His friends and cared about their feelings.
4. Does Jesus care when you are sad?
👉 Yes! Jesus cares about me and my feelings.
5. What can you do when you feel sad?
👉 I can pray. I can talk to Jesus and tell Him how I feel.
6. Where can you pray to Jesus?
👉 Anywhere—at home, at school, in my bed, or in my heart.
7. How will you trust Jesus this week?
👉 I will pray when I feel sad and remember that Jesus cares about me.
🧰 Supplies for Today’s Craft!
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