Breaking The Alabaster Box

BREAKING THE ALABASTER BOX

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 26:7

“There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.”

Supporting Texts: Luke 7:37-38, John 12:3, Romans 12:1, 2 Samuel 24:24, Philippians 3:7-8

INTRODUCTION:

Breaking the alabaster box is symbolic of total surrender, costly worship, and deep devotion to the Lord. The woman who broke her alabaster box before Jesus demonstrated the kind of love and sacrifice that captures heaven’s attention. It was an act of extravagant worship, not minding the cost, criticism, or convention.

This study calls believers to examine their willingness to pour out their best for the Master. What are you holding back? What costly offering are you yet to release in worship, service, or commitment?

1. WORSHIP THAT COSTS SOMETHING

True worship involves sacrifice, not convenience.

a) Worship is not cheap.

David said he would not offer to God what costs him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24).

b) God values sincere, sacrificial offerings.

He looks at the heart and the cost (Mark 12:43-44).

c) Costly worship provokes divine remembrance.

The woman’s act was recorded forever (Matthew 26:13).

d) Worship must be personal and heartfelt.

It is between you and God, not for public approval (John 4:24).

Biblical Example: Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac (Genesis 22:9-12).

2. BREAKING THE BARRIER OF PRIDE AND FEAR

The alabaster box must be broken for the fragrance to flow.

a) Pride hinders true release.

Self must be broken to access deeper worship (James 4:6).

b) Fear of people’s opinion must die.

The woman faced judgment, but focused on Jesus (Luke 7:39).

c) Letting go brings healing and transformation.

Many are healed by surrendering their burdens (Matthew 11:28).

d) A broken spirit attracts God’s presence.

God is near to the contrite (Psalm 34:18).

Biblical Example: Hannah poured her soul before God (1 Samuel 1:10-15).

3. POURING OUT YOUR BEST BEFORE GOD

God deserves not just what is good, but what is best.

a) Your alabaster box is your treasure.

It could be time, resources, talent, or reputation (Romans 12:1).

b) God is not moved by leftovers.

Cain’s offering was rejected because of attitude (Genesis 4:3-5).

c) Worship opens the door to divine presence.

Where true worship rises, God shows up (Psalm 22:3).

d) Giving God your best brings honour.

Those who honour Him are honoured in return (1 Samuel 2:30).

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath gave her last meal (1 Kings 17:12-16).

4. LEAVING A LEGACY OF DEVOTION

The woman’s act left a spiritual legacy.

a) Heaven remembers acts of love.

God does not forget our labours (Hebrews 6:10).

b) Sacrifice releases spiritual fragrance.

Her perfume filled the room—so does sacrificial worship (John 12:3).

c) The impact of your worship outlives you.

Generations will learn from your devotion (Matthew 26:13).

d) Heaven honours brokenness.

Broken vessels shine brighter in God’s hand (Isaiah 57:15).

Biblical Example: Mary of Bethany’s name remains honoured for her act (John 11:2).

5. BECOMING A VESSEL OF HONOUR

Your surrender prepares you for divine use.

a) God uses what is yielded.

Brokenness precedes usefulness (2 Timothy 2:21).

b) Total surrender invites divine filling.

Empty vessels are filled with the Spirit (2 Kings 4:3-6).

c) Purity and humility position you for greatness.

God lifts the humble (1 Peter 5:6).

d) The more you pour out, the more He pours in.

God never leaves a vessel empty (Luke 6:38).

Biblical Example: Paul’s life was poured out like a drink offering (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

CONCLUSION:

Just as the fragrance of the broken alabaster box filled the room, your surrendered life and sacrificial worship can fill the earth with the aroma of Christ. Heaven responds to wholehearted devotion, not half-measures. God is calling you to break your own alabaster box—to hold nothing back, to worship without reservation, and to live a life poured out for His glory. Let your love for Jesus be seen in your actions, your giving, and your total commitment.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Lord, break every pride and fear in me that hinders total surrender.

2.  Father, teach me to pour out my best before You without reservation.

3.  Let my worship rise as a sweet fragrance before Your throne.

4.  Help me to be a vessel of honour, useful and yielded for Your purpose.

5.  May my devotion leave a legacy that glorifies You.