AN INTRODUCTION
for He will save His people from their sins.’” Matthew 1:21
There has never been a sweeter, more life-changing, or more important name spoken among men than the name of Jesus. Although the Jesus of the Gospel accounts is arguably the most “famous” person in all of human history, His earthly name did not immediately grant such a lofty reputation. During His time on Earth, the name “Jesus” was fairly common in the Jewish culture—much like the name “John” today. It is a transliteration of the Hebrew name “Joshua” and means “Jehovah is salvation.”
According to Scripture, Jesus has many names. Some have counted over 200 names or titles that are given to Jesus within the pages of God’s Word, including: “Advocate” (1 John 2:1), “Author of Life” (Acts 3:15), “Deliverer” (Romans 11:26), “Emmanuel” (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23), “Firstborn over all Creation” (Colossians 1:15), “Heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2), and “High Priest” (Hebrews 2:17).
Embedded within the host of names that are given to Jesus are some incredibly important truths regarding His nature, purpose, and identity. As has always been the case, faith in Jesus is the primary and constant target of our Adversary, the Devil, and his attack on young people begins in unexpected ways, and sooner than ever before.
It is the simple goal of this Vacation Bible School material to present Jesus—unadorned by excess “trappings”—as the Messiah, the Nazarene, the Lord, the Almighty, and the Savior of the world in ways that will lay the foundation for—and continue to strengthen—the faith of everyone who has “ears to hear.” It is our hope and prayer that the name of Jesus will ring loudly, clearly, and simply in the ears and hearts of your students, and that He would be known, believed, praised, and obeyed, to the glory of our great God.
LESSON ONE: "JESUS THE MESSIAH"
In this lesson, your students will learn that Jesus was the fulfillment of hundreds of Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah. They will study prophecies about various aspects of Jesus' birth, life, and death, along with how He fulfilled these prophecies.
LESSON TWO: "JESUS THE NAZARENE"
In this lesson, your students will learn the difference between things that are "fantastic" and things that are "historic." They will learn that Jesus was a historical person Who lived in a real place at a real time, and had a real life.
LESSON THREE: "JESUS THE LORD"
In this lesson, your students will learn that Jesus claimed to be God, and that He performed supernatural miracles in order to confirm these claims. We will also talk about several other aspects of Jesus' divinity, including the Trinity.
LESSON FOUR: "JESUS THE ALMIGHTY"
In this lesson, your students will discuss the differences between magic, medicine, and actual miracles as they study the miracles of Jesus. They will learn the different categories of Jesus' miracles, along with some of the things that made them so special.
LESSON FIVE: "JESUS THE SAVIOR"
In this lesson, your students will review the previous four lessons, along with learning that we are all in need of a Savior: Jesus Christ. You will teach them God's plan for saving sinners in a memorable way.