A Kid's Guide to the Names of Jesus

A Kid's Guide to

by Tony Evans

Help Your Kids Get to Know Jesus
 
The story of Jesus isn’t confined to the Gospels. He is mentioned throughout the Old Testament, as prophets and scholars eagerly awaited His blessed arrival in Bethlehem.
 
Each of Jesus’s names and positions holds a special promise for believers and reveals a part of His human and divine nature. Popular pastor, speaker, and author Dr. Tony Evans helps children (ages 8 to 12) learn what these names mean and how they apply to kids’ everyday lives.   
 
In language kids can understand, they will encounter Jesus as…  These names and more will give children a greater understanding of Jesus and lead them closer to salvation and a lifelong relationship with Him.
 

128 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2021

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Reviews

[Lindsey Gandhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m in between a 3 and 4 star rating on this one. My son and I enjoyed reading the book. Tony Evans does a great job of breaking down twelve names of Jesus and giving the biblical reference, history and meaning. He expands on it with prompted questions and activities for kids to gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus Christ is and the miraculous work He did. It’s a great jumping off point that will hopefully guide you and your family into deeper dive into the Bible.

Here is my negative - while I understand the connection the author was trying to make with kids by talking about Jesus being a unique celebrity, I disagree with that comparison and that is not how I personally want my son to view his Lord and Savior.

My thanks to Tony Evans, Harvest House Publishers and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

First sentence: What makes a person famous? Does being famous mean having a certain number of followers on social media? Do famous people need to star in blockbuster movies or release popular songs or appear on TV? And what about those who are super well known in their school or community—the people whose names everyone seems to know? Are they famous? Everyone wants to be recognized. Everyone wants to be known by others. And some people do become famous—meaning that if someone says that person’s name, others are going to instantly know who they are. In today’s world of Instagram and YouTube and TikTok, average people who aren’t athletes or musicians or actors can become famous if enough people start following them.

Tony Evans' has a new children's book releasing in the spring of 2021 on the names of Jesus. The names studied/introduced include:
Immanuel
Alpha and Omega
King
Lamb of God
Great High Priest
Sovereign
I AM
Lord
Jesus
Christ
Son of God, Son of Man
Word of God
Each chapter blends stories and light-hearted conversation with scripture to present an aspect of the person or work of Jesus Christ. Some chapters expand a bit from just the one to include others that weren't included elsewhere. Each chapter includes an activity or two (or three) to get kids more involved. (Some of these felt relevant, others not so much. For example, "Write down the first ten words that come to mind when you think of Jesus" versus "“YHWY” (“I Am”) is a word without any vowels. Can you think of any other words without vowels? Write them down—if you can think of any! (“Y” is sometimes used as a vowel, so don’t write down words like “my” or “cry.”)"

There are also a few illustrations.

What do I think of this one? I really was enjoying it for the first third. The first two to four chapters I was really approving of it--is impressed the right word? thinking that I could/would recommend it. The rest of the book, however, my mind slowly but surely started changing. I will admit to some bias. I am Reformed. Tony Evans is not Reformed. (For those not in the know, Reformed has nothing to do with character and everything to do with theology--doctrines and creeds. Reformed may be a fancy way of saying Calvinist as opposed to Arminian.) But I think even beyond the matter of free will versus God's sovereignty over salvation, I feel there were a few instances of concern. (It sounded like he was a bit health-and-wealth, best-life-now theology???)

[Jeanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knowing the names of Jesus is a great bible study for children and adults to knowing the nature of who Jesus is and why he has come. This list is not all the names of Jesus but it gives you an ideal of the God man Jesus is. Each name goes into detail of what it means and engages your child to embrace the identity for their own faith. Each name is significant for our salvation so it can be very important and foundational to faith. The following names are studied further.

Immanuel
Alpha and Omega
King
Lamb of God
Great High Priest
Sovereign
I Am
Lord
Jesus
Christ
Son of God, Son of Man
Word of God

This study is a good beginning to the names of Jesus and hopefully will encourage your child to learn more. It is kid friendly and I would encourage for adults to study with their children to offer further insight.

A special thank you to Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Tony Evans introduces kids to 12 of the names given to Jesus in the Bible, why they are significant, and how they impact how we relate to Him. Interactive questions are provided throughout for readers to answer.

There’s enough depth in here that even as an adult I found this a spiritually refreshing read. It is written in an engaging style at a level easy for middle grade kids to grasp and employs illustrations that should resonate with them. But that doesn't mean Evans holds back on diving deep into the Bible and the names of Jesus. There's some deep stuff in here, but still approachable. If you are looking for a biblically solid Bible study for a young Christian from 8-13/14, snatch this up. It can be done individually or in a small group. I’ll definitely be ordering copies for my school’s Elementary and Secondary libraries. Highly recommended along with all the other titles in this series!

I received an ARC of this title from Harvest House through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Abigail Harris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah, not happening. After the first page starting to talk about Jesus being a unique celebrity I will not be finishing this.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Anni Welborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Evans has written a fantastic book for kids that will help them understand many of the names used in the Bible to describe God’s character. Each chapter is about 10-15 pages long, and Dr. Evans communicates with a very personable, friendly tone that kids would find appealing, using easily relatable stories to help the kids grasp the topics discussed. Although aimed at ages 8-12, this book could be read to or with someone younger, and someone older would still benefit from reading it. It is not condescending or unattainable, which is a great balance to make when writing for children.

A typical chapter opens with a short anecdote that prompts the kids to think in a certain direction. Then Dr. Evans ties in the Bible story illustrating that direction. He introduces the name and then appropriately expounds upon the name, drawing in inferences, helping the young readers gain a broader and deeper understanding of the name. He also provides a way for the young readers to remember the name and its meaning.

I found this book to be excellent, like all of Dr. Evans’s other books. I am glad to see Dr. Evans branch into quality children’s materials. Although my daughters are past this age range, I think they will still enjoy reading and learning from this book. In fact, a hard copy of this book will soon be joining our shelves as part of our home library.

I gratefully received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kid's Guide to the Names of Jesus
by Tony Evans
Back of the Book: “Help Your Kids Get to Know Jesus
The story of Jesus isn’t confined to the Gospels. He is mentioned throughout the Old Testament, as prophets and scholars eagerly awaited His blessed arrival in Bethlehem.
Each of Jesus’s names and positions holds a special promise for believers and reveals a part of His human and divine nature. Popular pastor, speaker, and author Dr. Tony Evans helps children (ages 8 to 12) learn what these names mean and how they apply to kids’ everyday lives.
In language kids can understand, they will encounter Jesus as… Christ, Immanuel, Lamb of God, Son of God and Son of Man Great High Priest. These names and more will give children a greater understanding of Jesus and lead them closer to salvation and a lifelong relationship with Him.”
Impressions: This is a great resource and devotional to do with older elementary-aged kids and up.
Liked: I have been enjoying the interaction throughout this devotional with my son.
Learned: I am learning all about the names of Jesus and why they are important.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kid’s Guide to the Names of Jesus is a Christian children’s book by author Dr. Tony Evans.

A Kid’s Guide to the Names of Jesus is a brief introduction to the different names of Jesus and would be a great book for boys and girls in grades 4-6. The text is written in simple sentences and short paragraphs sufficient for children ages 8-12.

A Kid’s Guide to the Names of Jesus is a great reading tool for children not familiar with Jesus or those just beginning their journey as Christian.

I would recommend A Kid’s Guide to the Names of Jesus to children as a great first Bible study. It is also great for adults unfamiliar with the different names of Jesus. The book does not list every name however it does list some with their explanations.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Denise Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sets out to explain the different names for Jesus. Written in a chatty manner, it is aimed at children and explains the nature and character of Jesus by taking each name in turn, in a way in which children will understand. However I can’t imagine many children actually picking up this book and reading it cover to cover.

What it could be useful for, and what I might do with it, is to take each chapter and turn each of them into a session to do with the children and young people at church. As a children’s/young people’s leader I am always on the lookout for new, interesting material to cover with them and this book made me realise that we haven’t done anything on the different names of Jesus. With the addition of a few games/activities, the content of each chapter would provide the teaching element and this could form an interesting 4-6 week series.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved A Kid's Guide to the Names of Jesus by Tony Evans! The book is geared toward 8-12 year-olds and is easy for a kid to understand. In A Kid's Guide to the Names of Jesus, the book goes through 12 different names of Jesus (Lamb of God and Immanuel to name a few). Each chapter focuses on one name and what that name means. Each chapter has activities and questions to help enforce what the child is learning and to think about what they are learning The book would be perfect for a family to read together or for a kid that is hungry and wants to know about Jesus. This would also be a perfect tool for Ministry, especially for those who work with children. I plan on using this book to help me teach children about the Names of Jesus. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book! I loved it! (This review is also on GoodReads.)

[Amy Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Kid's Guide to the Names of Jesus is an introduction to the names of Jesus. I read this with my 8 year old daughter each night in a devotional type format. It was a bit long in some places and just a bit over her head but as a read along we were able to discuss it and answer any of her questions. I think this book would be better suited for 1o-12 year olds.
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

[Angela Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Tony Evans’ book for kids to understand and apply the various names of Jesus was outstanding. I used it in our homeschool and found it to be such a treat. It isn’t just a book to read, but it’s interactive with thought provoking and relevant questions to get kids thinking. My children really enjoyed it and we would recommend it for families wanting to dive into the names of Jesus together.

[G. Salter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evans does a great job of explaining some of the more common names for Jesus in the Bible in a clear way that kids can understand. He also organizes each section to explain related terms (such as "I am" followed by "I am the light of the world") which gives young readers a better grounding in each idea.

[Kristin Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book for kids ages 8-12. I love the way the author takes one name at a time and explains it in kid-friendly terms. It is also great for adults unfamiliar with the different names of Jesus. Thank you to Netgalley and Harvest House Publishing for advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Danielle Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a nice little book. I think it’s great for kids 8-12. I like how it explained the names of Jesus and took things deeper than just surface level reading the Bible.