Lay Down My Burden

(Available in English y español)

Ever wish you could just trade in your struggles for something lighter?

In this clever and comical 3-minute skit, a weary customer walks into “The Burden Store” hoping to swap their heavy load. Helpful (and slightly cheeky) angels Michael and Gabriel offer a solution—though it might not be what the customer expects. With a gentle nod to Matthew 11:28-30, this sketch reminds us that sometimes the weight we feel isn’t about the burden itself, but how we choose to carry it.

✨ Perfect for: Sermon illustrations, youth groups, small church services, or just a light-hearted reminder of God’s comfort.

Bible Reference:  Matthew 11:30

Cast:  3 males, or 2 males & 1 female, any age (from early teens up)

• Michael
• Gabriel
• Customer

Set:  “Store” interior: tables or shelves that hold merchandise.

Special effects:   None

Props:    Suitcases, gym bags, or carry-ons of various sizes

Costumes:   Street clothes

Lighting:    Standard

Sound:  Standard

Special  instructions:
The bags should contain enough weight to permit the “customer” to realistically show heaviness.

Time:  3 minutes

Sample script:

The scene is the interior of (what looks like) a luggage store.  Two angels, Michael and

Gabriel, stand together TALKING.

Michael:     I'm telling you, Gabe, the Angels are gonna win.

Gabriel:      How can you say that, Mike?  They're doing lousy this year.

Michael:     Hello!  Heaven to Gabe!  They're the angels…

A CUSTOMER enters carrying a small suitcase/gym bag.

Customer:    Excuse me, is this the Burden Store?

Michael:     (smiling)  It is indeed.  How can we help you?

Customer:    (hefting the bag with difficulty)  I'd like to exchange my burden.  It's just too darn heavy.

Michael:     (obviously surprised)  Really?  That's odd -- you shouldn't have been given more than you could bear.  (takes the bag and opens it)  Well, let's take a look.  What've you got in here, anyway?

Customer:    Oh, the usual stuff, I guess.

Michael:     (looking through the bag, nodding)  Yeah, pretty much standard: pain, heartache, illness, sin…  (looks up a customer reproachfully)  A lot of sin.

Customer:    (shrugging, embarrassed)  Yeah, I guess I may have put most of that in there myself.  But a lot of it isn't my doing.  (pointing to the bag)  Like the pain.  I didn't want any of that!  Is there any way I can get rid of it?  Or at least lighten it up somehow?

Michael:     Hmmm, let me think.  (sets the bag down near Gabriel, motions to the store)  Tell you what; it’s a little unorthodox, but here’s what I’ll do.  Take a look around and try out what we have.  If you find something lighter than yours, feel free to take it.

Want to see how the story unfolds? DramaShare members get this complete script— and access to our entire library—free! Not a member? You can still grab this individual script and bring it to life.