Alabaster Box - Poem

This poem combines the stories of the women who broke their alabaster boxes in order to shower their affection on Jesus (see Mark 14 and Luke 7) and shows how these events relate to the cross. Jesus was broken and poured out just like the alabaster box. He was crushed for our peace and healing. Now we can release His fragrance to a world in need.

Listen to the Alabaster Box poem podcast.

A sinful woman came into the room
No one expected what she would do
She counted the cost
Broke the box

Filling the house with her affection
Though she got looks from every direction
The perfume, worth more than a year’s wages
The disciples scoffed, “Why would you waste this!”

Washing Jesus’ feet with her tears
Repenting in her heart for all the sinful years
Wiping His feet with her hair
As the fragrance of the perfume filled the air

Pouring the perfume on His head
Preparing Jesus for burial
Though all around her were adversarial
Then Jesus told the pharisee a parable

But it’s not quite a riddle
Whoever has been forgiven less
Loves little
The great love she showed

Was in response to the forgiven debt she owed
Accused for her act of surrender
But she let Jesus defend her
“She has done a beautiful thing to Me

Leave her alone
Let her be”
He told the woman
“Your faith has saved you

Go in peace”
Now what she did will be told wherever the gospel is preached
He was also accused while on the tree
His sacrifice for all to see

His body broken on the cross
His love poured out
His life the cost
See, He’s our alabaster box

The punishment on Him brought us peace
Yes, let the fragrance of His healing release
Peace.