Let Loose: Break the Box

Sermon Notes

Sermon Title: “Break the Box!”                                                                  Pastor Mike Snodgrass

 

Mark 14:3-9

Luke 7:36-50

Two main points of the scripture parallel:

1. The contrast of those there vs. the women with the jar and each’s perception.
   1. Money and value
   2. Sinful vs righteousness
2. The obedience and sacrifice of the women vs. those in attendance.
   1. Sacrificial generosity vs. selfishness
   2. Willingness vs. withholding 

A life following Christ is a call to a life of sacrificial giving! Pouring It Out! BREAKING THE BOX!

God is calling us to break free from spiritual limitations, religious expectations, and personal fear that keep us from pouring out everything for Him. It’s time to break the box and let your worship, your obedience, and your anointing flow without restraint.

Mark 14:3 (exact): “She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His feet…”

When God calls you to let loose, you’ll have to break the box—the box of reputation, fear, tradition, and self-preservation.

You can’t give Jesus your all and still try to stay neat, safe, or polished.

1. What’s in Your Box?

• The alabaster jar was valuable, sealed, and precious—much like our comfort, gifting, or control.
• But its purpose was only fulfilled when it was broken and poured out.
• The box represents whatever we hold tightly, protect, or polish—rather than surrender.

Some of us want to give God a little drizzle, but He’s calling for a full pour.

Mark 14:3 – “She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.”

2. Breaking the Box Is Personal, Not Performative

• The woman didn’t do this for show—she did it out of deep love and gratitude.
• Religious people criticized her, but Jesus called it beautiful and prophetic.
• You can’t live fully surrendered to God and still expect everyone to understand you.

 Luke 7:44–47 – “She has loved much… her many sins have been forgiven.”

You’ll never fully let loose until you stop worshiping people’s opinions.

2 Samuel 6: 12-16 (exact) …So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn. As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart.

2 Samuel 6:20-22 NIV

3. God Moves Where People Break the Box

• When she broke her box:
  • The room filled with fragrance (John 12:3)
  • Jesus defended her publicly
  • Her story was recorded forever in Scripture

Mark 14:9 – “Wherever the gospel is preached… what she has done will also be told.”

Her private moment of surrender caused a public shift in the room.

1. Break the Box to Make Room for the Flow

• When the jar stayed sealed, the oil was contained.
• Once it was broken, it could flow freely—no turning back.
• Some people want the anointing to flow, but don’t want to be broken.

You can’t have an outpouring without some breaking.

Psalm 51:17 – “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

What Do You Need to Break?

• Break the fear of man
• Break religious pride
• Break your silence
• Break open your praise
• Break the box of performance and return to pure devotion

DECLARATION (Congregation):

“I’m breaking the box. I will not hold back my worship. I will not limit my obedience. I will pour out everything He’s given me. Let it flow, let it move, let it break open. I’m letting loose—no more boxes, no more fear!”