Boxes
In preparation for “the last supper,” there is an account of two individuals whose actions, concerning the “boxes” or vessels they
carried, were used to transform Jesus’ ministry. We find in the books of Matthew and John accounts of two very different uses for
two very similar “boxes.”
“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.” (Matthew 26:7 KJV)
“But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three
hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the
money box; and he used to take what was put in it.” (John 12:4-6 NKJV)
Both the alabaster oil box and the money box were vessels that were filled with valuable contents of tangible value and for
specific use. They were, at this moment, both catalysts to the transformation of Jesus’ ministry. The alabaster box of precious oil
was dedicated wholly to Jesus. “Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His
feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” (John 12:3) The money box’s purpose was to have its’
contents used to tangibly minister those in need. It was intended to be a vessel to “bring good news to the poor.” Because of a
difference of heart within Mary and Judas, the similarity of the boxes ends.
The box or vessel in Mary’s possession was used in an act of selflessness that prepared the Lord for His most significant earthly
purpose as a man: the cross. Mary took what was naturally precious and dedicated it in an act of giving that would be
remembered forever. “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this,
that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.” (Matthew 26:13)
The box or vessel, over which Judas was a steward, was intended to be used for holding alms to be given to the poor. Judas,
however, diverted money with which he gratified his own selfish desires beyond what the ministry provided. Jesus’ ministry was
abundantly supplied, as were his disciples, [so we’re not just talking about nickels and dimes here.] First of all, a “pocket
change” ministry would have no need for a treasurer! Secondly, just before the multiplication of fishes and loaves, “His
disciples answered, ‘Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?’" (Matthew 15:33.) They didn’
t ask “how we are going to get the money.” Having plenty of money, they asked “where are we going to buy enough bread. The
money “leaking” out of the treasury was money that had been dedicated to the Lord and His ministry. It was misdirected and
misused by a dishonorable steward.
How does this apply to us today? Are the “boxes” or vessels that we dedicate to the Lord being given wholly to Him? Is there
anything “leaking” out? Before we let loose the flesh detectives, understand that these questions are just to let the Holy Spirit
show us where we need to pour and where we might need to stop pouring. Soon after Mary and Judas had their “box”
confrontation: “And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment
made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor.” (Mark14:4-5) Jesus
poured out of His vessel, all we need to be saved, sanctified, redeemed, and made whole. “He saved us, through the washing of
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,” (Titus 3:5-
6)
Just like the twelve, as Jesus’ disciples we are supposed to have plenty of resources for all our needs. We are to be prospered
(Ps. 35:27; 3 John 2), and God gives us power to get wealth (Deut. 8:18). God ALSO gives us resources so that we may feed
multitudes, publish the gospel, have food in His house and be containers of good news to the poor. Let us see if any deception
has crept into “the box” and caused dissipation of that which is dedicated to the Lord. “But in a great house there are not only
vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses
himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2
Timothy 2: 20-21) The Holy Spirit will show us where the leaks have occurred. He will teach us what should be wholly
sanctified unto the Lord. “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit
teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13) He will also empower us with the ability to plug the
leaks. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
God promises in Malachi 3:10 that if we sanctify the use of what is in our vessel, in deed and heart, there will be more than
enough for every good thing we really need. In fact we will have so much that we can’t store it and we will have to find ways to
give it away to help others. As a matter of [Gospel] fact, when the box doesn’t leak we will have “good measure shaken together
and pressed down” (Luke 6:38) “abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8), and “be prospered and in health even as
our soul prospers”! (3 John 1:2) In the Name of Jesus!!” (Philippians 2:10)
In preparation for “the last supper,” there is an account of two individuals whose actions, concerning the “boxes” or vessels they
carried, were used to transform Jesus’ ministry. We find in the books of Matthew and John accounts of two very different uses for
two very similar “boxes.”
“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.” (Matthew 26:7 KJV)
“But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three
hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the
money box; and he used to take what was put in it.” (John 12:4-6 NKJV)
Both the alabaster oil box and the money box were vessels that were filled with valuable contents of tangible value and for
specific use. They were, at this moment, both catalysts to the transformation of Jesus’ ministry. The alabaster box of precious oil
was dedicated wholly to Jesus. “Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His
feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” (John 12:3) The money box’s purpose was to have its’
contents used to tangibly minister those in need. It was intended to be a vessel to “bring good news to the poor.” Because of a
difference of heart within Mary and Judas, the similarity of the boxes ends.
The box or vessel in Mary’s possession was used in an act of selflessness that prepared the Lord for His most significant earthly
purpose as a man: the cross. Mary took what was naturally precious and dedicated it in an act of giving that would be
remembered forever. “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this,
that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.” (Matthew 26:13)
The box or vessel, over which Judas was a steward, was intended to be used for holding alms to be given to the poor. Judas,
however, diverted money with which he gratified his own selfish desires beyond what the ministry provided. Jesus’ ministry was
abundantly supplied, as were his disciples, [so we’re not just talking about nickels and dimes here.] First of all, a “pocket
change” ministry would have no need for a treasurer! Secondly, just before the multiplication of fishes and loaves, “His
disciples answered, ‘Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?’" (Matthew 15:33.) They didn’
t ask “how we are going to get the money.” Having plenty of money, they asked “where are we going to buy enough bread. The
money “leaking” out of the treasury was money that had been dedicated to the Lord and His ministry. It was misdirected and
misused by a dishonorable steward.
How does this apply to us today? Are the “boxes” or vessels that we dedicate to the Lord being given wholly to Him? Is there
anything “leaking” out? Before we let loose the flesh detectives, understand that these questions are just to let the Holy Spirit
show us where we need to pour and where we might need to stop pouring. Soon after Mary and Judas had their “box”
confrontation: “And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment
made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor.” (Mark14:4-5) Jesus
poured out of His vessel, all we need to be saved, sanctified, redeemed, and made whole. “He saved us, through the washing of
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,” (Titus 3:5-
6)
Just like the twelve, as Jesus’ disciples we are supposed to have plenty of resources for all our needs. We are to be prospered
(Ps. 35:27; 3 John 2), and God gives us power to get wealth (Deut. 8:18). God ALSO gives us resources so that we may feed
multitudes, publish the gospel, have food in His house and be containers of good news to the poor. Let us see if any deception
has crept into “the box” and caused dissipation of that which is dedicated to the Lord. “But in a great house there are not only
vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses
himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2
Timothy 2: 20-21) The Holy Spirit will show us where the leaks have occurred. He will teach us what should be wholly
sanctified unto the Lord. “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit
teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13) He will also empower us with the ability to plug the
leaks. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
God promises in Malachi 3:10 that if we sanctify the use of what is in our vessel, in deed and heart, there will be more than
enough for every good thing we really need. In fact we will have so much that we can’t store it and we will have to find ways to
give it away to help others. As a matter of [Gospel] fact, when the box doesn’t leak we will have “good measure shaken together
and pressed down” (Luke 6:38) “abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8), and “be prospered and in health even as
our soul prospers”! (3 John 1:2) In the Name of Jesus!!” (Philippians 2:10)
