2 Corinthians 4:7, “ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

In ancient times, there were no banks as we know them. People would often keep their valuables and treasures hidden, tucked away in everyday containers like clay jars, in a secret place, or buried in the ground. I know a couple of people who buried some things as kids, and now they don’t remember where they buried them!

Paul draws a contrast between the clay and the treasure. The jar of clay is probably not expensive, but the treasure inside is. Paul uses this illustration to show that the treasure of salvation within us is worth far more than our jars of clay, with all our earthly weaknesses.

It is this stark contrast that makes what God has done for us even more remarkable. Verse 6 says, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” The same grace that forgives our sin carries us through life, so that God’s light may shine through our jars of clay.