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.