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The Desire of Ages
DA 557.1–559.3 • Mark 14:6-9; John 12:3

“The Feast at Simon’s House”

Heart Devotion versus Utilitarian Covetousness

At a feast given by Simon the healed leper, Mary broke an alabaster box of costly spikenard to anoint Jesus. While Judas criticized the act as wasteful, Jesus commended Mary forever, showing that genuine love holds nothing back from the Master.

pp. 557–559 · 11 paragraphs

Holy Scripture

KJV
Mark 14:6-9
6

And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

John 12:3
3

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

The Desire of Ages

• Chapter 62
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DA 557.1
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DA 557.2
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DA 557.3
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DA 557.4
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DA 558.1
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DA 558.2
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DA 558.3
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DA 558.4
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DA 559.1
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DA 559.2
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DA 559.3
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End of Day 1(DA 557.1–559.3)

Take a quiet moment to pause, pray, and meditate on these living truths.

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Heart Reflection (Optional)

“How did Christ’s gentle defense of Mary contrast with Judas’ indignant murmuring and selfish calculation?”

Grace vs Selfish Calculation
Prayer & Practice (Optional)
Prayer Focus

“Worthy Lamb of God, receive our heartfelt praise and thanksgiving. Let our lives diffuse the fragrant love of Christ in every circle we enter.”

Practical Action

Give an unprompted, generous gift or expression of appreciation to someone serving in God’s work or in need.

Personal prayer intention

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