2 CORINTHIANS 4
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. 11 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. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.
– 2 Corinthians 4:7-14
2 CORINTHIANS 4 TREASURES IN JARS OF CLAY
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you were chosen to be God’s child
You are God’s treasure and the apple of his eyes
Even though we are only humans and limited
God uses each of his children to be his word’s vessel
Though we are inadequate, he still uses as his tool
We are the means that he uses to speak out the truth.
Why did Paul use “treasures in jars of clay” as a metaphor? What does it mean? Like jars, we are fragile and easily broken. Jars are containers of many things. In the days of Jesus, they used jars for storing food, water and oil. Without jars, they won’t have somewhere to place these essentials that they need to survive. They didn’t have the luxury of cars and groceries where they can just buy food, oil or water. Sometimes they walk miles just to draw water from wells in the heat of the sun. We could see how important jars are in their culture.
What does it mean to be a jar of clay for Jesus? As disciples of Christ, we are ambassadors of the word of God. We need to declare the treasure that is contained inside our hearts to the world, so that God may be glorified.
REFLECTION
- How are these following verses hopeful and encouraging for Christians?
