2 Corinthians 4

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, [in order] to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (2 Cor. 4:7–11)

One of the many reasons why God allows various sufferings into the lives of his children is so that others will see the life of Jesus displayed in them. 

Notice from these verses how fragile and ordinary we are. We are not strong. We see this spiritual truth through a striking metaphor in 4:7: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay.” The “treasure” is God’s glory revealed in the gospel (see 4:3–6). But the treasure is placed in jars of clay—sometimes translated “earthen vessels” or “clay pots.” In Paul’s time, clay jars were commonly used. They were inexpensive and easy to find but also fragile and easily broken. Despite being delicate, these jars often held valuable items, and people frequently hid treasures in them. 

In Paul’s metaphor, the jars of clay are our bodies! We are fragile containers made from earth. We crack and break easily. On our best days, we’re just dignified dirt. Paul’s words here are some of the most humbling in the New Testament. No matter what our DNA or résumé looks like, there’s nothing truly impressive about us. We are frail and flawed—incredibly ordinary and simple. It doesn’t matter what other people think about us or what we think about ourselves. You and I are just clay pots! But we can thank God that we are in the hands of the potter. He knows how to shape us, mold us, and fashion us. He knows how to use us, and he picks us up when we’re broken.

But why would God place such a priceless treasure inside pieces of unpretentious pottery? Paul’s conclusion in 2 Corinthians 4:7 is “to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” Why didn’t Paul give up amid his suffering? It wasn’t because he was naturally optimistic or persistent. Rather, Paul realized that his suffering had many purposes. Paul says that it was to display the greatness of God’s surpassing, extraordinary power through him. God allows difficulties into our lives so that we—and those watching us—will be reminded that the power is entirely from him, not ourselves. Amid the pressure, there is treasure. In Paul’s analogy, the treasure—that is, God’s glory in the gospel—emerges from inside us, from simple, inexpensive, and fragile pots.
Kenneth Berding (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and an elder at Redemption Hill Church in Whittier, California. He is the author of numerous books and articles, and he regularly blogs at Kindle Afresh and The Good Book Blog.