Found a mini Jesus figure? Here’s everything you need to know
If you’ve just discovered a tiny plastic Jesus figurine in a store, at work, on a cruise, or in a random public spot and ended up Googling it — welcome!
You’re part of a wholesome viral trend where Christians hide these little Jesus toys in everyday places.
With Easter approaching on April 5, 2026, it’s seeing a resurgence from previous years.
What does it mean?
Simply put: Jesus loves you.
If you find mini Jesus, you can:
Keep it as a tangible reminder of God’s love
Take a photo and post it online
Rehide it in another location
Leave it for the next person to find
➡️ Keep reading to explore the “mini Jesus hiding” challenge, what it means, how you can join in the fun, and more!
Christian author Mackenzie Ryan Walters found a mini Jesus figurine (about 1 inch tall) hiding near a decorative cloth plant in a women’s bathroom. She was curious about the viral hiding trend.
What is the mini Jesus hiding trend?
Across the country, Christians are buying mini Jesus figurines in bulk and placing them in public parks, grocery store shelves, public bathrooms, and other locations.
This viral “hiding” challenge is continuing as we approach Easter this spring.
I’ve found two in public restrooms so far. They brought a smile to my face, and I decided to leave them to share a little joy with others.
Some leave these toys quietly, and others have been posting photos or videos online with the hashtags #jesuslovesyou and #spreadingthelove.
Last spring, one Maryland family hid 150 figurines around their community and challenged others to find them.
The mom posted photos on her social media account with clues.
Where has tiny Jesus been found?
It’s been likened to an Easter “elf on the shelf” or an Easter egg hunt.
Over the last few years, they’ve been found in coffee shops, car windshields, and local libraries.
Even inside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
Someone placed dozens inside classrooms of a Pennsylvania high school, catching the attention of the student newspaper.
“At first, a miniature Jesus appeared on top of our whiteboard,” a teacher said last year. “Within a week, they multiplied. There must be ten figurines placed around the newsroom and the TV studio.”
One teacher decided to keep hers above her desk.
“It reminds me to be patient,” she told a student reporter.
Why are people hiding tiny Jesus figurines?
Many expressed hope that someone might see tiny Jesus and find a moment of encouragement or even reach out to God for the first time.
Churches have used the small Jesus figurines to bridge generations and have a little fun.
“The kids put them all around the church for folks to find, and the idea of it is ‘A little Jesus goes a long way’ because everybody needs a little Jesus,” a North Carolina pastor told the local press.
With so many little hands involved, it didn’t take long for the church to go through the first batch — and the second — even though they ordered a few hundred at a time.
“It has been a very big hit,” the pastor said. “Since then, we have a total of 600 that have gone out,” the pastor said.”
What does finding a mini Jesus figure mean?
Many Christians who place them in public places want you to remember that you are loved and you are not alone.
If finding one is meaningful to you, you can take and keep mini Jesus as a tangible reminder of God’s love.
Briant Trent, a South Carolina pastor with a million Facebook followers, shared a video in early 2024 about his daughter hiding dozens of little Jesus toys around the church.
When he arrived on Sunday morning, he was surprised to see them everywhere: On the thermostat, balcony, and in the bathrooms.
“We’re not trying to hide him,” his daughter explained to him. “We’re just trying to put them in places that people least expect him.”
Church members were encouraged to take a “pocket” Jesus with them — and discovered they enjoyed keeping the tiny toys.
Many Christians hope the reminders bring whoever finds mini Jesus closer to God.
An Alabama woman who joined the trend described it this way:
“All you have to do is close your eyes and pray. He’s always there. Even if you haven’t spoken to (Jesus) in a while — or ever — he’s waiting.”
What are these little Jesus toys?
They’re small plastic figures (usually a smiling, cartoonish Jesus in a white robe and colorful sash) that are sold in bulk quantities. They’re typically 1 to 1/2 inches high.
I’m amazed at the variety of tiny Jesuses now available:
Sashes that say “Jesus loves you.”
“Shades” of Jesus to represent a multi-cultural congregation
Hands raised as if waving hello
Hands out as if asking for a hug
Sitting with hands folded in prayer.
A Catholic set that includes Jesus and the Virgin Mary
With a halo to signify Jesus’s divinity.
They come in bulk quantities: Bags of mini Jesus figures range from 30 to 300 pieces.
You can also get a set that comes with a bag and a Bible verse prayer card.
If you’re wondering where to buy these mini Jesus figurines, Amazon is a popular place.
Where do people find or hide the mini Jesus toys?
As the trend grows, some challenge participants are going to social media to find ideas. It’s been likened to the “Elf on the Shelf” trend.
Some place them strategically, so you don’t initially realize that Jesus is there, such as peeking out from behind a book.
I watched a few TikTok videos — where the trend seems to originate — and was surprised by how far people are going to hide little Jesus:
Around their homes: On a door frame, in a potted plant, inside a kitchen cupboard, behind a coffee mug, or next to a picture frame.
At retail stores: On shelves, on shopping carts, next to stuffed animals, and inside toys or other items.
At gas stations: On the gas pump or its handle, ledges around the pump payer, inside the store on shelves, on parked car windshields.
At church: On windowsills and ledges, bathroom counters, door frames, production equipment, and church office desks.
If you get home, open an item you purchased at a store, and find mini Jesus — now you know why!
How did the mini Jesus hiding trend start?
Its origins are a little murky, and may have been inspired as a religious take on “meme” culture online.
Over the years, people have videotaped themselves hiding rubber duckies around cruise ships and wrapping tree branches in yarn to “yarn bomb” a park in the hopes of bringing a smile to someone’s face.
The trend took on special meaning when Christian creators began posting videos of hiding tiny Jesus figurines around their church or homes in late 2023 and early 2024.
It wasn’t long before it caught on. Churches and Christian schools began incorporating the little Jesus toys into outreach activities.
For many, it’s become a fun way to express their faith and share the love of Christ.
How can I join the tiny Jesus challenge?
It’s as simple as purchasing a set of bulk mini Jesus figures. A pack of 100 is a great place to start.
Many Christians pray over these toys, asking God to bless those who find them.
Some people hide little Jesus with an encouraging note or card, or post a video about hiding (and finding) them online.
Others simply leave the plastic figurines quietly and without much fanfare.
Many enjoy how the tiny Jesus figurines have made their social media feed uplifting.
If you enjoy “spotting” little Jesus online, you can even join a dedicated Facebook group.
➡️ Where have you hid or found mini Jesus? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
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Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story,” which shares Christian testimonies and stories, as well as curated lists about Christian books, gifts, and more. A national award-winning former journalist who’s covered a presidential campaign, been inside NASA, and reported on education and schools, Mackenzie now edits the Faith Storytellers website and is passionate about lifting up and sharing the story God is writing in the world.
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