In the Potter’s Hands — Jeremiah watches as a potter reshapes a marred vessel, a reminder that the Lord can guide and renew hearts willing to return to Him.

Come, Follow Me study notes for October 19–25, 2026

Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20

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Before Jeremiah felt ready to serve, the Lord called him. And when the people of Judah had become spiritually marred, the Lord showed Jeremiah a potter reshaping clay. This week’s reading testifies that God knows His children, invites them to return, and can shape willing hearts anew. The official lesson is for October 19–25 and covers Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; and 20.  

Summary

Jeremiah’s call begins with hesitation. “I cannot speak,” he tells the Lord; “for I am a child” (Jeremiah 1:6). The Lord answers with assurance: “I am with thee” and “I have put my words in thy mouth” (verses 8–9). Jeremiah’s mission will be difficult, but the Lord promises to make him “a defenced city, and an iron pillar” (verse 18). His calling reminds me that God’s work does not depend on my feeling perfectly capable. He asks for willingness and offers His presence.

Jeremiah also exposes a painful contradiction: Judah comes to the temple saying, “The temple of the Lord,” while continuing to oppress others and worship false gods (Jeremiah 7:4–11). Sacred places and religious language cannot substitute for repentance, justice, and obedience. The Lord wants worship that changes how we live.

In Jeremiah 2:13, the Lord calls Himself “the fountain of living waters.” The people have forsaken that fountain and dug “broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” A spring offers continual, fresh water; a cracked cistern cannot satisfy. The image asks me to consider where I seek spiritual nourishment. The Lord is the living source of truth, hope, and life.

Even while warning Judah about the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, the Lord pleads with His people to return. Jeremiah sees a future gathering in which the Lord brings His people back to Zion—not merely to a place, but into covenant relationship with Him.

At the potter’s house, Jeremiah watches a marred vessel become another vessel in the potter’s hands (Jeremiah 18:1–6). The Lord applies this image to Israel, teaching that repentance leaves room for change. Choices still have consequences, but failure need not be the final shape of a willing heart.

Jeremiah’s ministry is emotionally demanding. At times he wants to stop speaking, but God’s word becomes “a burning fire shut up in my bones” (Jeremiah 20:9). His honesty shows that faithful disciples can feel discouraged; courage is continuing with the Lord even when the work is heavy.

Memorable Verses to Mark

• Jeremiah 1:5 — Known before birth. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.” God knew Jeremiah before his mortal life. This truth can steady me when I feel overlooked, uncertain, or unready.
• Jeremiah 1:6–9 — The Lord answers inadequacy with presence. Jeremiah says, “I cannot speak.” The Lord promises, “I am with thee.” The reassurance is not that Jeremiah will never feel inadequate, but that he will not be alone.
• Jeremiah 1:10 — Root out, build, and plant. The Lord appoints Jeremiah to “root out, and to pull down,” but also “to build, and to plant.” The Lord removes what prevents covenant life so that He can establish something righteous and lasting.
• Jeremiah 2:13 — The fountain and the broken cisterns. This verse helps me examine what I turn to for comfort, identity, and direction—and whether it brings me nearer to Christ.
• Jeremiah 7:3–7 — Let worship change how we live. Genuine worship should make me more honest, merciful, and faithful in ordinary life.
• Jeremiah 3:14 — Gathered one by one. “I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.” The Lord’s gathering is personal; each soul matters.
• Jeremiah 18:4–6 — The Potter can reshape the clay. “When the vessel … was marred … he made it again another vessel.” Repentance allows the Master to reshape our choices and character.
• Jeremiah 20:9 — A fire in the heart. God’s word becomes “a burning fire shut up in my bones.” The Lord can give us strength to speak and serve through discouragement.

What This Means to Me

Jeremiah’s story helps me separate being called from feeling qualified. I may see my limitations before I see what God can do through me. The Lord’s promise was not a guarantee of ease; it was the assurance of His presence. When I am asked to serve, speak, repair a relationship, or do something unfamiliar, I can take the next faithful step without waiting until every fear disappears.

The broken-cistern image invites honest self-examination. Many things promise quick relief or security, but not all can nourish the soul. I want to keep returning to the Savior as my source of living water through prayer, scripture, covenants, repentance, and the Holy Ghost.

Jeremiah’s temple sermon challenges me to make my worship visible in my conduct. It is possible to participate in religious routines while neglecting the people God asks me to love. True devotion should shape how I treat family, neighbors, strangers, and those who need help.

The potter’s house gives me hope when I recognize flaws in myself. The Lord’s correction is not proof that He has discarded me. In His hands, repentance can become a process of being remade. I can admit where I have gone wrong, accept needed correction, and trust that Christ can shape a better path from the clay I bring Him.

Finally, the Lord gathers His people one by one. A conversation, a prayer, forgiveness, or a simple welcome can help someone feel that Zion has room for them. I can participate in the gathering by helping others—and myself—come closer to Jesus Christ.

Questions for Reflection and Application

1. Where do I feel inadequate, and how might “I am with thee” help me take a next step?
2. What “broken cistern” do I sometimes rely on instead of the Savior’s living water?
3. Does my worship influence how I treat people when I leave church?
4. What part of my life might the Lord be inviting me to let Him reshape?
5. Who might need an invitation, encouragement, or reminder that the Lord wants to gather them?
6. When have I felt the Lord’s word or prompting become difficult to ignore?
7. What can I do this week to build or plant something faithful?

Image Caption

In the Potter’s Hands — Jeremiah watches as a potter reshapes a marred vessel, a reminder that the Lord can guide and renew hearts willing to return to Him.

Keywords

Jeremiah, calling, living water, repentance, gathering

Further Reading

• Official Come, Follow Me lesson: October 19–25
• Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20
• Ahmad S. Corbitt, “You Can Gather Israel!”
• Russell M. Nelson, “Decisions for Eternity”
• Hugh W. Pinnock, “Beginning Again”
• “Jeremiah” — Scripture Helps

Labels: calling, gathering, Jeremiah, living water, repentance

// posted by John Fisher @ October 19, 2026