Jars of Clay

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV: But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show 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

If you need encouragement, this verse and artwork are for you. This verse is often quoted for its rich imagery. Paul places this between reflections on God’s light shining in our hearts and the reality that we carry within us both Christ’s death and resurrection. The juxtaposition of death and resurrection is the climactic conclusion of the paired descriptions in this verse. 

Paul begins with the image of us as simple jars of clay.  The Greek word used here describes the most common form of everyday pottery: functional, ordinary, cheap, and disposable.  While this might not be the most flattering description of ourselves, the point is to contrast our frail, mortal, aging, and weary bodies with the magnificent power of God that makes us extraordinary. 

Notice in the list that follows that, sadly, we aren’t meant to avoid hardships. These hardships are a reality of life. The key is that God’s presence and power prevent utter annihilation and hopelessness.  

We are hard-pressed by external circumstances, and although cracks will form under pressure, we will not shatter because of Christ’s presence.

We are perplexed at times, or, as the Greek implies, without a clear path forward, yet not in despair.  The ability to avoid hopelessness (despair) in suffering is only possible by trusting that God has a way through, even when you can’t see it.  

We are, at times, persecuted, or, to put it another way, relationally hunted or threatened, but not abandoned. Some of the greatest harm to our mental well-being comes when we believe we are alone or when we isolate ourselves. The knowledge of Christ’s presence reminds us that we are never alone or truly abandoned. 

The imagery of being struck down reminds me that unexpected crises will happen and that there will be more cracks and trauma, but again, with Christ, the promise is that we are not destroyed. In other words, we aren’t broken beyond repair. 

As I imagined a scene for this verse, I tried to capture the overwhelm that can at times surround us. The promise is not merely survival but revelation; through our cracks and wounds, the life of Christ becomes visible. As believers, we face trauma, suffering, pain, and hardship, empowered by the resurrected Christ within us. His light shines through the cracks.