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.
What is “this treasure” Paul is speaking of? According to the immediate context, it is “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ,” which He has “shone in our hearts” (v. 6). Thus, the jars of clay are us.
As Christians, you and I are earthen vessels of the knowledge of God’s glory in Jesus Christ. Jars of clay aren’t particularly strong vessels, and neither are our bodies. Yet in our weakness we still persevere, not because of any meagre strength we might possess, but because of the power of God.
Paul makes this point in the following verses (vv. 8-9). As weak jars of clay, we are afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down; yet we are never crushed, driven to despair, forsaken, nor destroyed. Our weakness serves to prove the power of God. Whenever you persevere, it is thanks to God, for as the Master Potter, He preserves His beloved jars of clay (Isaiah 29:16; Romans 9:20-23).
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