Isaiah closes out his book with some of its warmest promises: Jesus Christ is a Light who leads us out of darkness, and someday He will return to wipe away every tear. Along the way, Isaiah also teaches two simple habits, fasting and keeping the Sabbath holy, that help children practice turning toward that Light each week. This week is a wonderful chance to help children feel hopeful rather than overwhelmed, because following Jesus now is how we get ready for the joy He has promised. All three plans below follow the same thread, so brothers and sisters can compare notes and talk about Jesus their Light at home.
This week at a glance
Dates
October 12–18, 2026
Reading
Isaiah 58–66
Based on
Come, Follow Me: “The Redeemer Shall Come to Zion”
Big idea
Jesus Christ is my Light, and following Him brings true joy.
Key verse
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1
Lesson length
About 25–30 minutes
Prep time
About 15 minutes, plus printing
Before you teach
Understand Isaiah 58–66
Isaiah 58–66 closes out this remarkable book with some of its warmest promises. By now Isaiah has described a Savior who was despised, wounded and silent before His accusers (Isaiah 53), and these final chapters turn toward what that Savior will do for His people: He will be their everlasting Light, their Redeemer, and the One who finally wipes away every tear. Isaiah even names Him directly: “the Redeemer shall come to Zion” (Isaiah 59:20), words that gave this week’s official lesson its title.
Isaiah 58 asks a pointed question: is a true fast just about being hungry, or is it about something more? The Lord answers that a true fast will “loose the bands of wickedness” and reach out to “the hungry” (Isaiah 58:6–7); it turns outward, toward people in need. The same chapter calls the Sabbath “a delight” rather than a burden (Isaiah 58:13–14), and the Doctrine and Covenants adds a tender detail: on the Lord’s day our fasting and our rejoicing go together, so “that thy joy may be full” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:13). Fasting and Sabbath-keeping are both ways we show Heavenly Father we love Him, and both are meant to bring joy rather than guilt.
When Jesus began His ministry, He stood up in the synagogue at Nazareth, opened the scroll of Isaiah, and read the very words that describe a Messiah “anointed” to heal the brokenhearted and free the captives (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:16–21). Then He said something astonishing: “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:21). Isaiah had promised, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come” (Isaiah 60:1), and Jesus later said of Himself, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). For children who sometimes feel like they’re groping in the dark, this is wonderful news: the Light has a name, and He already came.
Isaiah 65–66 looks even further ahead, to a “new heavens and a new earth” where the wolf and the lamb lie down together and “the voice of weeping shall be no more heard” (Isaiah 65:17, 19, 25), a promise John later saw fulfilled in vision (Revelation 21:1, 4). These plans follow all four children’s principles in this week’s official lesson. The youngest learn that Jesus is their Light and that He will one day make everything happy again (Isaiah 60:1; 65:18–19). The middle group discovers how fasting and keeping the Sabbath holy bless them and the people around them (Isaiah 58:6–7, 13–14). The oldest investigate how Isaiah’s promises of a coming Messiah and a world made new were, and will be, fulfilled, strengthening their own faith in Jesus Christ (Isaiah 61:1; 65:17, 19).
For your own preparation: watch “Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?” (6½ min), a message from Elder Ulisses Soares in this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson; and read “The Sabbath Is a Delight” by Russell M. Nelson, April 2015 general conference. The official lesson suggests this talk as you prepare to teach about Isaiah 58:13–14.
Three truths to hold onto
- Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, and following Him leads us out of darkness. (Isaiah 60:1; John 8:12; Matthew 5:14, 16)
- Fasting and keeping the Sabbath holy are two ways we show Heavenly Father we love Him. (Isaiah 58:6–7, 13–14; Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–13)
- When Jesus Christ comes again, sorrow will end and His people will have lasting peace. (Isaiah 65:17–19, 25; Revelation 21:1, 4)
A gentle reminder: Fasting can be a tender subject for a child who worries about hunger, has a medical need, or whose family doesn’t fast the same way; let families decide when and how a child begins to fast, and never pressure a hungry child in class. When you talk about Jesus Christ’s promised return, keep the focus on comfort and joy rather than on judgment, especially with younger children.
Ages 3–5 · Sunbeams & CTR 4–5
Jesus Is My Light
Truth to teach: “Jesus Christ is my Light, and He will make everything happy again.”
Why this matters: Little children understand dark and light long before they understand big words like “Messiah” or “Redeemer.” This lesson gives them a simple anchor they can hold onto for life: Jesus is my Light. Let them move, flip cards, and call out loud, and keep the focus on His love and on the happy ending Isaiah promised.
By the end of class, children can:
- Say, “Jesus is my Light.”
- Show what it feels like to go from dark to light.
- Feel hopeful that Jesus will make every sad thing happy someday.
About 25–30 minutes. You’ll need a flashlight or lamp, a dim room or blanket fort, the Light & Dark Candle Cards (one per child, glued to craft sticks before class), the coloring page, crayons, and a phone or tablet for the video.
Lights Out! 4 min
Dim the room or gather everyone under a blanket fort. Let a few children try to find a toy or walk over to you in the dim light, then turn the light back on.
Ask:
- Was that easy or a little tricky?
- How did it feel when the light came back on?
Listen for: Tricky, hard to see. Then: better, easy, happy.
Say: Today we are going to learn that Jesus is like a wonderful Light who helps us.
Isaiah Tells About the Light 5 min
Say: A long, long time before Jesus was born, a prophet named Isaiah told the people wonderful news: a Light was coming.
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1
Explain simply: Jesus is that Light. When we follow Him, He helps us know what is right and feel safe inside, just like a lamp helps us see in a dark room.
Connect it: Jesus said it Himself: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Arise and Shine! 2 min
Have everyone curl up small and quiet like they are asleep. Call out “Arise!” (everyone pops up) and “Shine!” (everyone stretches their arms out wide like sunbeams). Repeat a few times, a little faster and sillier each time.
Say: Just like Isaiah said, we can arise and shine because Jesus is our Light.
Watch: Jesus Shares Wonderful News 3 min
Watch: Jesus Declares He Is the Messiah (3½ min, Bible Videos (live action))
Ask:
- What did Jesus tell the people in the story?
Listen for: That He is the promised Savior.
Light & Dark Candle Cards 6 min
Give each child a little candle card: dark and unlit on one side, glowing bright on the other. Name a few things that can feel scary or confusing, like the dark, feeling lost, or not knowing what to do, and let children flip to the unlit side. Then say it together: “Jesus is our Light!” and let them flip to the lit side.
Say: Whenever we feel scared or mixed up, we can remember that Jesus is our Light and He is always close by.
No More Crying 4 min
Say: Isaiah also promised that someday Jesus will come again, and everything sad will go away forever.
“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 65:25
Practice together: make a big sad face, then say “Someday!” and everyone bursts into a big happy face. Repeat a few times, faster and happier each time.
Connect it: Isaiah even promised there would be no more crying at all (Isaiah 65:19).
Color and Share 3 min
Hand out the coloring page. While children color, talk with each one:
Ask:
- What makes you feel happy?
- How can you be a little light for someone this week?
Listen for: Family, pets, treats. Smile at someone, share a toy, give a hug.
Sing and Share Your Testimony 3 min
Sing: “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60)
Sing with simple actions (hands making a sunshine shape above your head on “sunbeam”).
“But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” Isaiah 65:18
Explain simply: someday Jesus will make everything happy! Then share one short sentence of testimony, such as: “I know Jesus is our Light, and someday He will make everything happy again.”
Scriptures for this lesson
- Isaiah 60:1: Jesus is our Light; His glory is risen upon us.
- Isaiah 65:18: Someday we will be glad and rejoice forever.
- Isaiah 65:19: No more crying, only joy.
- Isaiah 65:25: Nothing will hurt or destroy, ever again.
- John 8:12: Jesus said that He is the light of the world.
- Matthew 5:14, 16: We can let our own light shine too.
Extra time? Let children decorate the Find the Light sun cutouts, then take turns hiding and seeking with a partner. Or sing “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” again with bigger, sillier actions.
Teacher tip: Dim the room gently rather than making it fully dark, since some little ones startle easily, and keep the flashlight close by the whole time. Preview the video ahead of time in case the building Wi-Fi is slow.
Ages 6–8 · CTR 6–7 & Valiant 8
Fasting and the Sabbath Bring Me Joy
Truth to teach: “When I fast and keep the Sabbath holy, I grow closer to Jesus and bless others too.”
Why this matters: Children this age are old enough to feel that fasting and church can sometimes feel like rules rather than gifts. Help them discover why the Lord asks us to fast and to keep the Sabbath holy: not to make us miserable, but to turn our hearts outward to others and closer to Him. Real-life cards and a sorting game let them wrestle with the “how” for themselves.
By the end of class, children can:
- Explain in their own words why a true fast helps other people, not just ourselves.
- Describe one activity that makes the Sabbath feel like a delight.
- Name a way fasting or the Sabbath can bless someone besides themselves.
About 25–30 minutes. You’ll need the Isaiah Picture Match cards, the “Can Jesus Help With That?” cards, the Sabbath Delight Sort cards and mat, the verse cards, and something to play the song “Saturday” (phone, tablet or printed words).
The Growling Tummy 3 min
Ask who has ever felt really, really hungry. Let a few children describe what a growling tummy feels like.
Say: Today we are talking about fasting, choosing not to eat for a little while, and about the Sabbath, the special day Heavenly Father asks us to keep holy.
Isaiah’s Clues About Fasting 4 min
Say: Isaiah asked a surprising question: is fasting just about being hungry, or is it about something more?
“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?” Isaiah 58:7
Explain: Isaiah says a true fast turns outward. It helps people who don’t have enough. When we fast and give a generous fast offering, our own hunger can remind us to care for someone else.
Connect it: Jesus taught the same careful balance: don’t fast to look impressive, but trust the Father “which seeth in secret” to notice and bless you (Matthew 6:16–18).
Isaiah Picture Match 5 min
Lay the cards face down. Children take turns flipping two cards to match each picture with its verse:
- Light: Isaiah 60:1
- Bread: Isaiah 58:7
- Watered garden: Isaiah 58:11
- Wolf and lamb: Isaiah 65:25
- New earth: Isaiah 65:17
- Sabbath: Isaiah 58:13
When a pair is found, read the verse together and ask, “What does this teach us about following Jesus?”
Can Jesus Help With That? 5 min
Give each child a situation card to read aloud, such as “Priya forgot it was fast Sunday and already ate breakfast.” The class answers together, “Yes!” Then ask how Jesus can help.
Say: Fasting and the Sabbath can both feel hard sometimes. Jesus understands, and He can give us strength, patience and even joy as we try.
Sabbath Delight Sort 5 min
Say: Isaiah said we should call the Sabbath “a delight,” not just a day we have to get through.
“If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day … then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” Isaiah 58:13–14
In pairs, sort the cards into “A Sabbath Delight” and “Save It for Another Day.” Talk about why some choices are trickier than others. There isn’t always one right answer!
Connect it: The Lord even connects fasting and the Sabbath together: “let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:13).
Sing: Saturday 2 min
Sing: “Saturday” (Children’s Songbook, 196)
Sing together, then talk about how getting ready on Saturday can help Sunday feel like more of a delight.
Discussion and Application 3 min
Ask:
- What is one way you could help someone else when you fast?
- What is one Sabbath delight you want to try this week?
Listen for: Give a fast offering, pray for someone, visit someone who is lonely. Read scriptures, sing, visit family, rest.
Close with the Memory Verse 2 min
“But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” Isaiah 65:18
Share a short testimony about how fasting or keeping the Sabbath holy has blessed your own life.
Scriptures for this lesson
- Isaiah 58:6–7: A true fast helps people who are hungry and hurting.
- Isaiah 58:8: Obeying brings light breaking forth like the morning.
- Isaiah 58:11: The Lord makes us like a watered garden.
- Isaiah 58:13–14: Calling the Sabbath a delight brings real joy.
- Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–10: The Sabbath is a day to rest and worship.
- Doctrine and Covenants 59:13: Fasting and rejoicing go together.
- Matthew 6:16–18: Fast quietly, for your Father who sees in secret.
Extra time? Make a “Sabbath Delight” list: have each child name one idea from the sort cards (or their own idea) they want to try this Sunday, and write it on the back of a verse card to take home. Or look up Isaiah 58:11 and talk about what a “watered garden” has to do with fasting.
Teacher tip: Kids this age like a reason for the rules. If a child says fasting feels hard, validate that and point back to Isaiah 58:7: the fast is for blessing someone else, not just going without.
Ages 9–11 · Valiant 9–11
Watchmen on the Walls
Truth to teach: “Jesus Christ is the Light and Redeemer Isaiah promised, and we can be watchmen who tell others the good news.”
Why this matters: Older Primary children love real responsibility. Isaiah pictured the Lord’s messengers as watchmen stationed on the city walls, commissioned to announce good news day and night (Isaiah 62:6). These plans give children that same job: search Isaiah’s own words, confirm that his promises about the Messiah came true, and then speak up about them. Being trusted with a real message, not just hearing one, is what helps faith take root at this age.
By the end of class, children can:
- Explain in their own words what a watchman’s job was, according to Isaiah 62:6.
- Cross-reference at least three of Isaiah’s promises about Jesus Christ to the New Testament.
- Write a private watchman’s announcement about one of Jesus Christ’s promises.
About 25–30 minutes. You’ll need the Watchman’s Commission page, the Watch Chart, the Proclamation Scroll and the Night Log pages, scriptures or the Gospel Library app, pencils, tape, and a phone or tablet for the video.
Called to the Wall 3 min
Ask what children picture when they hear the word “watchman.” Explain that ancient cities like Jerusalem had watchmen stationed on the walls, awake day and night, ready to call out important news to everyone below.
Say: Today you’re commissioned as watchmen. Your job is to search Isaiah’s words, then announce the good news you find.
Hand out a Watchman’s Commission page for each child to fill out and keep.
Isaiah’s Call to the Watchmen 3 min
Say: Isaiah also wrote about watchmen like you, people the Lord trusts to speak up and never stay quiet.
“I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence.” Isaiah 62:6
Explain simply: a watchman could see things from the wall that people down below couldn’t see yet, like the first light of morning. Isaiah’s watchmen had good news to announce: the Messiah was coming.
Read the Evidence 4 min
Take turns reading Isaiah 61:1 aloud. Pause to define tricky words: anointed (chosen and set apart for a special work), brokenhearted, captives (prisoners), liberty (freedom).
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me … he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives.” Isaiah 61:1
Connect it: The word Messiah itself simply means “the anointed,” which is why Jesus Christ is also called “the Christ,” the Greek word for the very same thing.
Watch: Jesus Declares the Prophecy Is Fulfilled 4 min
Before you press play, say: “Watch for the moment Jesus tells everyone this old prophecy is about Him.”
Watch: Jesus Declares He Is the Messiah (3½ min, Bible Videos (live action))
Ask:
- What did Jesus say right after He finished reading?
Listen for: “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:21).
Watchman’s Cross-Reference Chart 7 min
In pairs, children look up each promise on the Watch Chart and search the chapter listed to find where it was announced or fulfilled:
- Isaiah 61:1 “bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives” → Luke 4:18
- Isaiah 61:2 “proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” → Luke 4:19, 21
- Isaiah 60:1 “Arise, shine; for thy light is come” → John 8:12
- Isaiah 65:17 “I create new heavens and a new earth” → Revelation 21:1
- Isaiah 65:19 “the voice of weeping shall be no more heard” → Revelation 21:4
Pairs write each answer on the chart, then report one finding to the class.
Why It Matters 4 min
Ask:
- Why do you think Heavenly Father set watchmen to announce this news hundreds of years early?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus kept every one of these promises?
Listen for: So people could believe and be ready. He kept these, so He will keep the others too.
“And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 59:20
Say: The same Jesus who fulfilled every one of these old promises is the One making promises to you today.
Write Your Proclamation 3 min
Give each child a Proclamation Scroll. Invite them to choose one promise from the chart and write their own short announcement of it, the way a watchman on the wall might call it out. This stays private; no one has to share.
Challenge and Testimony 2 min
“But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” Isaiah 65:18
Invite the class to memorize this verse this week and, like a true watchman, tell one family member the good news from their scroll. Fill out the Night Log together or take it home to finish. Close with your testimony that Jesus Christ is the Light and Redeemer Isaiah saw.
Scriptures for this lesson
- Isaiah 62:6: The Lord sets watchmen who are never to stay silent.
- Isaiah 61:1: The Messiah is anointed to heal and free His people.
- Luke 4:18, 21: Jesus read this prophecy and said it was fulfilled that day.
- Isaiah 60:1: Arise, shine, for thy light is come.
- Isaiah 65:17, 19: A new heavens and earth, with no more weeping.
- Revelation 21:1, 4: John’s vision of the same promise, fulfilled.
- Isaiah 59:20: The Redeemer shall come to Zion.
Extra time? Act out being a watchman on the wall, calling out one of today’s promises to the rest of the class. Or look up Isaiah 62:2 and talk about what it might mean to be given a new name.
Teacher tip: This chart takes real reading, so pair a strong reader with a newer one. If a pair finishes early, let them add one more cross-reference they find on their own between Isaiah 58–66 and the New Testament.
This week’s printables
Free · Ages 3–5
Light of the World coloring page
A cheerful lamb-and-sunshine scene to color, plus sun cutouts for a find-the-light game.
Free · All ages
Isaiah 65:18 verse cards
Four memory verse cards per page, for every child to take home.
Want everything ready to print?
The full Oct 12–18 packet includes:
- All three lesson plans with scripts, scriptures and video links, plus a “Before you teach” page
- Ages 3–5: coloring page, light & dark flip candle cards and a little light headband
- Ages 6–8: Isaiah Picture Match game, “Can Jesus help?” cards and a Sabbath Delight sorting game
- Ages 9–11: Watchman’s Commission, a cross-reference chart, a proclamation scroll and a night log
- Memory verse cards and take-home notes for every age
- US Letter and A4 sizes, an ink-saver version, and a separate packet for each age group
Take-home note for parents
This week in Primary we learned from Isaiah 58–66 that Jesus Christ is my Light, and following Him brings true joy.
Ask at dinner:
- Ages 3–5: “How is Jesus like a light?”
- Ages 6–8: “What is one thing that makes the Sabbath a delight for you?”
- Ages 9–11: “If you were a watchman, what good news would you announce this week?”
Watch together this week:
- Ages 3–5: Jesus Declares He Is the Messiah (3½ min)
- Ages 6–8: Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen? (6½ min)
- Ages 9–11: Jesus Declares He Is the Messiah (3½ min)
“But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” Isaiah 65:18
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version. Videos and songs link to ChurchofJesusChrist.org. These plans are meant to go alongside the Church’s official Come, Follow Me resources. Please read those first as you prepare.