Treasure in Jars of Clay
Devotions for Growing Christians
Treasure in Jars of Clay
“We have this treasure in jars of clay to show us that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you” (2 Corinthians 4:7-12).
These verses have some important things to teach us about Christian growth - but they may be both encouraging and disturbing! It’s encouraging to know that we don’t have to grow as Christians by our own effort and our own strength. The power comes from God Himself (v7). Even though this power is placed in “fragile containers” like you and me, the amazing power of God exists within every Christian!
On the other hand, these verses can also be disturbing because we don’t like to think of ourselves as ordinary, everyday “clay jars.” Not only that, it sounds like God purposely permits these frail jars to be battered and broken (v8-11). This doesn’t seem like an enjoyable path towards Christian growth, does it?
The theme of this section of Scripture is the extreme contrast between the message of the gospel (v6) and the messenger of the gospel. The amazing news of Jesus Christ is carried by ordinary, frail, and fragile messengers. God designed it this way, so that no one can mistake the source of the life-changing power of the gospel.
When this Scripture was written, clay vessels were everywhere. They were widely used as containers for food and water. Common lamps were also clay pitchers containing olive oil and a floating wick. But clay jars were also used to hold valuables like money, jewels, or even parchment scrolls. (The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in clay jars!) These different pottery vessels were plentiful, but very fragile. Fragments of pottery, or potsherds, are prevalent throughout ancient ruins today.
Clay jars are an excellent illustration of the contrast between the carrier and the content of the Christian message. The message of the Gospel is precious and valuable, like a treasure of jewels or coins. But God has purposely placed this precious message in common, ordinary-looking human "vessels of clay." Human “clay jars” get tired and hungry. They suffer injuries and sickness. They have physical and emotional needs. Some people may have the notion that growing Christians should become more like Superman each day. Not at all. The power of the gospel is supernatural, but the preachers and teachers (you and I) are not superheroes. And that’s by design!
Paul, the author of 2 Corinthians, proceeds to show that Christians are not only common clay containers, but they’re battered and bruised vessels (v8-9). He mentions instances in his own life that were extremely difficult, and that his deliverance was through the power of God, not by his own might. In these two verses, four sets of descriptors are used to portray the battering of the clay vessel and deliverance by the power of God. Let’s look at the first set:
- Hard pressed
- Perplexed
- Persecuted
- Struck down
These terms describe the trials Christians undergo as messengers of the gospel. Can you identify? Have you ever felt depressed and discouraged, not knowing which way to turn? ("Hard pressed, perplexed.") Have you ever been mocked or threatened when you tried to share your faith? ("Persecuted, struck down.")
The second set:
- But not crushed
- But not in despair
- But not abandoned
- But not destroyed
These phrases all refer to the deliverance that God can bring to any situation. I’m sure we can all point to a time when God stepped into our situation and saved the day. Maybe it was when God brought a verse of Scripture to our attention exactly when we needed it. Maybe it was a time when we sensed His presence in a traumatic situation. Or maybe it was a time when we felt like all hope was lost, but then God stepped in and worked in a truly miraculous way. God permits His clay pots to be battered so that we can experience His supernatural power.
God's purpose is further emphasized in verses 10-11. Struggles and hardships break the clay jars so the treasure inside can be seen! The anxiety of life’s circumstances, resentment from unbelievers, and attacks of Satan may bring our human vessels of clay to their breaking point - but Jesus is revealed in His followers as a result! When we, as Christians, undergo attacks and our jars of clay are broken down, the world can see Jesus shining within the broken vessel! The Divine Life (that can never be destroyed) will be seen and communicated more readily to those who are in desperate need of this treasure. The breaking process Paul’s life resulted in new life in Christ for the Corinthians (v12). (See John 12:24.)
Will new life come to someone this year because they saw Jesus in your life? God may permit trials in your life, but it’s all part of the process of Christian growth. Remember, there’s treasure in your jar of clay that can meet the needs of others, but they have to be able to see it!
- Dave Reid
(Updated 2022, Ron Reid)