The Kind Potter: A Bengali Story to Share the Gospel

By Dr. Tim Orr

In Bengali culture, storytelling is more than just entertainment—it’s a way of life. From childhood, Bengalis are immersed in stories that teach them about their history, values, and identity. Bengali Christians have a unique opportunity to use storytelling to share the gospel in a way that resonates with the hearts of those around them. By weaving together the narratives of faith and their culture, they can connect with others on a deep and personal level.

The Art of Storytelling

For Bengalis, storytelling is in their blood. They grow up listening to tales from their grandparents, stories from Rabindranath Tagore, and legends from their cultural heritage. These stories shape their understanding of the world and their place in it. As Christians, they can use this same storytelling tradition to share the message of Jesus in a way that is meaningful and relatable.

The Story of the Kind Potter

In a small village in Bengal, there once lived a potter named Arjun. He was known throughout the village for his exceptional skill in crafting beautiful clay pots. Every morning, Arjun would go to the riverbank, gather clay, and then return to his workshop to mold it into delicate shapes. His pots were not only useful but also works of art, admired by everyone who saw them.

One day, as Arjun was shaping a new pot, a young boy named Rahul came to visit him. Rahul had been watching Arjun for many days, fascinated by how the potter transformed simple clay into something beautiful. Rahul approached Arjun and asked, "Dada, how do you make such perfect pots? They always turn out so beautiful and flawless."

Arjun smiled at Rahul and said, "Ah, my young friend, it’s not always easy. Sometimes the clay is hard, sometimes it’s too soft. But with patience, skill, and a gentle touch, I can mold the clay into something beautiful. Even when a pot cracks or breaks, I don’t throw it away. I carefully repair it, sometimes adding extra designs or colors, and it often becomes more beautiful than before."

Rahul listened intently, his eyes wide with wonder. "You mean even when the pot is broken, it can still be beautiful?" he asked.

Arjun nodded, "Yes, Rahul. A broken pot can still be mended and made even more beautiful. It just takes time and care."

Connecting the Story to the Gospel

John, an American friend who often visited the village to share the teachings of Jesus, heard about Arjun’s story and realized it was a perfect way to explain the message of the gospel. The next time he visited the village, he gathered the people and told them the story of Arjun, the kind potter.

After sharing the story, John said, "Just like Arjun, God is like a potter, and we are like the clay. Sometimes, we make mistakes, and our lives feel broken. But God, in His great love and mercy, does not throw us away. Instead, He carefully mends our broken pieces and makes us whole again. Through Jesus, He offers us forgiveness and a new beginning, no matter how broken we feel."

He continued, "In the Bible, in Jeremiah 18:6, it says, ‘Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand.’ God shapes us and molds us into something beautiful. Even when we think we are beyond repair, God can make us new again through Jesus. All we have to do is trust Him, like the clay trusts the hands of the potter."

The villagers listened closely, and the story of the kind potter helped them understand the love and grace of God. Through this simple story, John was able to connect the message of the gospel with their cultural context, showing them that God is always willing to reshape their lives with His love.

A Story of Connection

John once had the opportunity to share the story of Jesus calming the storm with a Bengali family who had never heard the gospel before. He spoke about the fear and uncertainty that the disciples felt as the waves crashed around them and how Jesus brought peace in the midst of the chaos. He related it to the storms of life that everyone faces and the peace that Jesus offers to those who trust in Him. As John told the story, he noticed the family leaning in, captivated by the narrative and touched by its message. This was a powerful reminder that storytelling can be a bridge between faith and culture, opening hearts to the truth of the gospel.

Using Stories to Build Relationships

In Bengali culture, stories are not just about conveying information—they are about building relationships. When people share their stories, they invite others into their lives, experiences, and faith. Similarly, when they listen to the stories of others, they show that they care about them and value their experiences. This relational approach to storytelling is a powerful way to share the gospel in a personal and meaningful way.

A Story of Building Relationships

At a community event, John met a Bengali Muslim woman named Shahana. As they talked, she shared her struggles with anxiety and her search for peace. Instead of offering advice or solutions, John listened to her story and shared his own experience of finding peace in Jesus. He told her about a time when he was overwhelmed with fear and how Jesus met him in that place of darkness, bringing comfort and hope. Shahana was moved by John’s story and opened up more about her own journey. Over time, they developed a deep friendship, and she began to explore the Christian faith, drawn by the stories of Jesus that John shared with her.

Conclusion

Bengali Christians have a unique opportunity to use their cultural gift of storytelling to share the gospel in a way that resonates with the hearts of those around them. By telling the stories of Jesus with passion and authenticity, connecting their faith with their culture, and building relationships, they can open doors to the gospel. In doing so, they can be powerful witnesses to the transforming power of the gospel and the beauty of their Bengali heritage.

The story of Arjun, the kind potter, is just one example of how storytelling can be used to convey the deep truths of faith in a way that is both culturally relevant and spiritually meaningful. Let us continue to share such stories, knowing that God can use them to touch hearts and change lives.