Scriptures on potter and clay exist in Genesis 2, Job 10, Isaiah 29, 45, 64, Jeremiah 18, Lamentations 4, Romans 9, Ephesians 2, 2 Corinthians 4, and 2 Timothy 2. You can find even more references here. Throughout the Bible, God uses the illustration that He is the potter, and we are clay vessels. Therefore, our stories use clay pots and vessels as the main characters. The potter is God. A God-like character can fit into many archetypes. He also exists outside of archetypes altogether. This article does a great job explaining God and archetypes better.

Likewise, the imagery of a potter and clay is a powerful metaphor used throughout the Bible to illustrate God’s love and plan for his people. The following four children’s stories bring this imagery to life for young readers, making them perfect for teaching about God’s love and how we are to respond. Let’s meet the four clay characters.

Scriptures on Potter and Clay

Isaiah 64:8 – But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay; And all of us are the work of Your hand. Romans 9:21 – Has the potter no right over the clay to make one vessel out of the same lump for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?

The Little Pot: We have value because of our creator.

In this story, a little pot is created. It knows the potter has made it and wants to be something extraordinary. Each time the potter puts items into the pot, it redefines itself because of what it holds. It is searching for its purpose. Holding coins, it feels rich. With papers, it feels brilliant. Holding dirt makes it feel ugly. Eventually, it discovers that its value is not in what it contains. Instead, the potter uses the vessel to grow fruit. Likewise, we have fruit to bear, too. We can produce the fruit of the Spirit. And just like the little pot, our value comes from our creator. You can read more about this story here.

More Scriptures on Potter and clay

Romans 9:20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”

The Tea Pot: Serving others

The Tea Pot is a heartwarming story about a little teapot who is selfish. In this story, Tea Pot looks at its reflection and does not like what it sees. We all can look in the mirror and wish certain features were different. That idea can lead us to a selfish state where we become more concerned about ourselves than how we can serve others. Tea Pot does not recognize that its features will allow it to pour into other vessels and help them become full and happy. Therefore, it chooses not to give away the tea. That decision results in stains. However, the potter is a forgiving creator and washes the vessel clean. This story teaches children the importance of serving others and using their unique gifts and talents to help those around them. Learn about even more scriptures taught through this story here.

Scriptures on Potter and Clay

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The Oil Lamp: Being brave enough to shine.

The Oil Lamp is a story about a small oil lamp that is afraid to shine the light that the potter gives it. Other vessels feel offended and douse its flame. Likewise, it hides under a bowl. As a storm approaches, Tea Pot and Little Pot share their testimonies with the oil lamp and give it the necessary courage. This story teaches children the importance of bravery and using their talents to help others, even when they are scared or unsure. You can read more about how we let the light shine through us here.

The Small Jar: Never giving up.

The Small Jar (previously called “Burnout Fit In”) continues the story. Oil Lamp is placed on a high pedestal to give light across the workshop. As it sits above the other vessels, it begins to run out of oil. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. Likewise, it was used to anoint people as leaders. The potter makes sure that the little lamp gets the oil. However, it uses another vessel to distribute the oil to it. Amongst the ashes is a useless, cracked, and forgotten jar. The potter rescues this vessel and uses its wound to distribute oil to the lamp. It is designed to fit in the top of the lamp.

Become a fruit-bearing vessel like Little Pot!

As Little Pot, my unique purpose is growing fruit. Similarly, you have fruit to bear too. You produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). I have developed a seven-step process allowing the potter to grow love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control through you. Just enter your first name and email so we can send you those seven steps. Additionally, you’ll get a fruitful Friday email each week with ways to be even more fruitful!

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