This Week's Worship

The Mystery of the Jar of Clay

Theme

In 2 Corinthians 4, we can raise two important questions as we reflect on the image of the “jars of clay.” First, why did God place the treasure in jars of clay—in something fragile and ordinary—rather than in something strong, beautiful, or precious? Second, what is the nature of this treasure? What exactly is the treasure Paul is talking about?

Through this passage, the Apostle Paul offers a deeper understanding—and even a redefinition—of strength and weakness. His teaching stands in sharp and ironic contrast to the way we usually think. What appears weak becomes the very place where God’s power is revealed. This leads us to a final and personal question:  Are we the treasure, or are we the jar of clay?

2 Corinthians 4:7-12

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.