In the last article I published, In a World of Options, Why choose Christianity?, I made some assumptions unknowingly. Today’s article is for clearing those up by exploring our need for Jesus.
I’d like to tell you a story, let’s call it “The Potter’s clay”. Shall we?
The Potter’s clay
Once, in a quiet, sunlit workshop nestled between the hills, a Master Potter shaped a special clay pot. Unlike the others, this pot was fashioned with unique care—its curves smoothed with gentler hands, its surface adorned with intricate patterns.
The Potter smiled at his work, breathing life into the pot. He named it Ara, meaning “a part of me”
Although the Potter had a plan for Ara, Ara wondered; “What if the Potter doesn’t know all that I can be?”
One dusky morning, when the Potter had stepped away, Ara teetered, then tumbled off the shelf. He hit the ground and rolled out of the open door, down the hill, and into the world beyond.
At first, it was thrilling. Ara found colours, sounds, and shapes that dazzled him. But the journey was rough. He was jostled, scratched, and chipped. People used him for things he wasn’t meant for—carrying ash, holding spoiled food, and sometimes, simply kicked aside. The world didn’t honour what he was made to be.
One day, after a heavy rain, Ara lay in a ditch, cracked and caked in mud. He felt empty—not just physically, but deep within. “Maybe,” he whispered, “the Potter knew better.”
Back in the workshop, the Potter never stopped watching the horizon. He knew where Ara had gone and He had a plan. Consequently, He sent Lese —a beautiful vessel shaped in his likeness, full of compassion and strength.
Lese left the shelf not with rebellion but with a mission: to find Ara and bring him home.
Lese found Ara in the ditch, broken and ashamed. “Why would you come for me?” Ara asked. “I’m ruined.”
Lese gently lifted him. “The Potter still calls you by the name He gave you. He has never stopped loving you.”
“But I’m unfit and full of cracks,” Ara protested.
“Then let me carry you,” Lese said, cradling Ara within himself.
Back at the workshop, the Potter welcomed Ara not with anger but with joy. He gently placed him on the wheel once more, not to erase him but to restore him. The cracks became part of the design, filled with gold—shining proof of grace and redemption.
Ara no longer doubted his worth. Made for the Potter, and he was whole again—not because he never strayed – but because the Potter had sent someone to bring him back.
Why we need Jesus
From the story, we see distinctively the love for Ara by the Potter and his plan to save Ara. In the same manner, God loves us and planned to save us before the foundation of the world. How? Why?
When God created humanity, He gave us all we needed, which was His presence. However, when sin (a nature outside of God) crept in, we began to think differently. We could no longer sit in God’s presence. Genesis 2 – 3
You know, sin didn’t only affect a couple of people. It affected all of humanity, including you and I. Regardless of how people tried to become free of sin or “good” by observing laws/not eating certain foods, etc.., it could never be enough. Romans 5:12-21
In His wisdom, God knew we needed a saviour, Jesus. In Jesus’ coming, He would die to sin in our place. This way, we receive forgiveness of our sins. Ephesians 1:3-5
When we believe in Jesus, we become free from sin, and regain our access to God’s presence. We become justified by faith. What does that mean? We are right with God entirely by believing in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26
To the (wo)man who observes a series of laws or wants his good deeds to outweigh the bad ones, that concept is absurd. Regardless of how much one keeps the law or tries to do good, it’ll never be enough. Why? That man is still in sin. S/he wants to get to God by the works of their hand.
Ironically, God doesn’t want you to work. Instead, He wants you to receive His free gift in Jesus.
Receive Jesus today!
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