Lament: From Wound to Witness

Introduction

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What is a question?

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In the late 19th century, a man named John Hughes founded a successful industry in New York based on the idea of providing education for immigrant children. His belief that knowledge would empower these children led to the establishment of schools that still exist today. This illustrates how a single idea can inspire actions that create lasting change and impact future generations.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (2025). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, p. 2 Co 12:9–10.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

"But” - after declaring that we shine out the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, Paul comes back again to the suffering we endure.

“treasure” - the light of the knowledge of the glory of God

“jars of clay” - basic, cheap, easily broken. This is a contrast. Usually, you would put something valuable in a robust, strong, and valuable container. But we carry this light in jars of clay. Why? Paul tells us...

“To show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” - We would be tempted to think that the power belongs to us. Indeed, even now we think this very easily.

 this serves to show that the power released through the preaching of the gospel is from God and not from us1

1 Kruse, C.G. (1994) “2 Corinthians,” in Carson, D.A. et al. (eds.) New Bible commentary: 21st century edition. 4th ed. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, p. 1196.

Jars