Mark 6: 7-12 Breaking the Pot

Mark 6: 7-12 Breaking the Pot

Bonsai trees are kept in small trays or pots. These pots make it easier to control growth, as well as add to the look of the tree. The pot is the place where the tree lives and it’s life is limited to the pot. Churches and Christians are limited in their life because of the ever shrinking pot in which they live.

In this passage of scripture Jesus expands His area of influence by sending out the 12 to minister in communities they would not normally travel through. Jesus was helping the disciples expand the pot. Jesus spent most of His time in the same communities and walking the same roads. By sending out the twelve He expands the number of people who will hear His teaching.

1.       The reality of the pot

a.       Personal pot

b.      The ever narrowing pot

c.       Job, family, routine, time, and age

d.      After a while you associate with and know few non-Christians

e.      Thicker walls

f.        The midlife crisis

g.       Boring and unfruitful life

2.       The Bonsai Church

a.       Victims of the narrowing pot

b.      Stronger friendships

c.       Control

d.      Age

e.      The ever narrowing pot

f.        Friendships, power, programs, and routine

g.       Limited growth and no fruit

3.       Breaking free of the pot

a.       Driving a new way home

b.      A new hobby

c.       Volunteer some of your time where you will meet new people

d.      Choose to venture outside the pot.

e.      Chuck Swindall, Bill Hybles

f.        Be willing to spend time and energy

g.       The Prayer of Jabez  1 chronicles 4:10

Jesus’ intension was not to have a limited life or a limited church. Today when you go home draw a circle and put your life in it. What you do where you go. Then ask yourself how you can expand or reach past your circle. Do not settle for life in the pot.