EGW → Biblical Foundation
Select an Ellen White book from the sidebar to see each passage mapped to the Bible verses it amplifies, cites, or echoes.
Scripture Index
Ellen White & Bible Cross-Reference
Mark 12:24
"And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?"
"The priests and Pharisees thought they were doing great things as teachers by putting their own interpretation upon the word of God, but Christ said of them, “Ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God.” Mark 12:24 . He charged them with the guilt of “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Mark 7:7 . Though they were the teachers of the oracles of God, though they were supposed to understand His word, they were not doers of the word. Satan had blinded their eyes that they should not see its true import. COL 110.3 This is the work of many in our day. Many churches are guilty of this sin. There is danger, great danger, that the supposed wise men of today will repeat the experience of the Jewish teachers. They falsely interpret the divine oracles, and souls are brought into perplexity and shrouded in darkness because of their misconception of divine truth. COL 110.4"
Ellen White directly references Mark 12:24 in this passage.
Mark 12:29
"And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:"
"The lawyer approached Jesus with a direct question, “Which is the first commandment of all?” The answer of Christ is direct and forcible: “The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” The second is like the first, said Christ; for it flows out of it, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” DA 607.1"
EGW directly quotes Mark 12:29.
Mark 12:30
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."
"Teachers, trust in God and go forward. “My grace is sufficient for thee” ( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ), is the assurance of the Great Teacher. Catch the inspiration of the words, and never, never talk doubt and unbelief. Be energetic. There is no half-and-half service in pure and undefiled religion. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” Mark 12:30 . The very highest sanctified ambition is demanded of those who believe the word of God. CT 360.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes Mark 12:30 and references 2 Corinthians 12:9.
"Unselfish Service the Law of Heaven Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is the basis of true education. This is made plain in the law that God has given as the guide of life. The first and great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” Mark 12:30 . To love Him, the Infinite, the Omniscient One, with the whole strength and mind and heart, means the highest development of every power. It means that in the whole being—the body, the mind, as well as the soul—the image of God is to be restored. CT 32"
EGW directly quotes Mark 12:30.
"Strength We are to love God, not only with all the heart, mind, and soul, but with all the strength. This covers the full, intelligent use of the physical powers. COL 348"
EGW directly quotes Mark 12:30 and then interprets the phrase 'with all thy strength' in the context of physical powers.
Mark 12:31
"And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."
"Like the first is the second commandment, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Mark 12:31 . The law of love calls for the devotion of body, mind, and soul to the service of God and our fellow men. And this service, while making us a blessing to others, brings the greatest blessing to ourselves. Unselfishness underlies all true development. Through unselfish service we receive the highest culture of every faculty. CT 32.2"
EGW directly quotes Mark 12:31.
Mark 12:32
"And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:"
"The scribe who had questioned Jesus was well read in the law, and he was astonished at His words. He did not expect Him to manifest so deep and thorough a knowledge of the Scriptures. He had gained a broader view of the principles underlying the sacred precepts. Before the assembled priests and rulers he honestly acknowledged that Christ had given the right interpretation to the law, saying: DA 607.4"
The EGW passage describes the scribe's reaction to Jesus's wisdom and his acknowledgement of Christ's correct interpretation of the law, which aligns with the scribe's statement in Mark 12:32. The passage provides additional context and insight into the scribe's motivations.
Mark 12:33
"And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."
"“Well, Master, Thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but He: and to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” DA 607.5"
The EGW passage is a direct quote from Mark 12:33.
"The scribe was near to the kingdom of God, in that he recognized deeds of righteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt offerings and sacrifices. But he needed to recognize the divine character of Christ, and through faith in Him receive power to do the works of righteousness. The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it is understood in its relation to the Saviour. Christ had repeatedly shown that His Father's law contained something deeper than mere authoritative commands. In the law is embodied the same principle that is revealed in the gospel. The law points out man's duty and shows him his guilt. To Christ he must look for pardon and for power to do what the law enjoins. DA 608.2"
Both passages highlight that outward religious acts (sacrifices) are less important than inward righteousness and love. Mark 12:33 states that loving God and neighbor is more important than sacrifices, while the EGW passage emphasizes that deeds of righteousness and faith in Christ are more acceptable to God. The EGW passage directly amplifies the principle found in Mark.
Mark 12:37
"David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly."
"The Saviour came “to preach the gospel to the poor.” Luke 4:18 . In His teaching He used the simplest terms and the plainest symbols. And it is said that “the common people heard Him gladly.” Mark 12:37 . Those who are seeking to do His work for this time need a deeper insight into the lessons He has given. CT 381.1"
Ellen White directly references Mark 12:37 in this passage.
"The Saviour came “to preach the gospel to the poor.” Luke 4:18 . In His teaching He used the simplest terms and the plainest symbols. And it is said that “the common people heard Him gladly.” Mark 12:37 . Those who are seeking to do His work for this time need a deeper insight into the lessons He has given. MH 443.1"
Ellen White directly references Mark 12:37 in this passage.
"Of Christ's teaching it is said, “The common people heard Him gladly.” Mark 12:37 . “Never man spake like this Man” ( John 7:46 ), declared the officers who were sent to take Him. His words comforted, strengthened, and blessed those who were longing for the peace that He alone could give. There was in His words that which lifted His hearers to a high plane of thought and action. If these words, instead of the words of men, were given to the learner today, we should see evidences of higher intelligence, a clearer comprehension of heavenly things, a deeper knowledge of God, a purer, more vigorous Christian life. CT 260.3"
Ellen White directly references Mark 12:37 in this passage.
"Jesus’ manner of teaching was beautiful and attractive, and it was ever characterized by simplicity. He unfolded the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven through the use of figures and symbols with which his hearers were familiar, and the common people heard him gladly; for they could comprehend his words. There were no high-sounding words used, to understand which it was necessary to consult a dictionary. He illustrated the glories of the kingdom of God by the use of the experiences and occurrences of earth. In compassionate love and tenderness he cheered and comforted and instructed all who heard him; for grace was poured upon his lips that he might convey to men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth. CE 126.3"
The EGW passage directly references the phrase "the common people heard him gladly," which is a key element of Mark 12:37. The surrounding context in EGW further elaborates on Jesus's teaching style and its appeal to the common people, amplifying the verse's meaning.
"The Saviour's voice was as music to the ears of those who had been accustomed to the monotonous, spiritless preaching of the scribes and Pharisees. He spoke slowly and impressively, emphasizing those words to which He wished His hearers to give special heed. Old and young, ignorant and learned, could catch the full meaning of His words. This would have been impossible had He spoken in a hurried way and rushed sentence upon sentence without a pause. The people were very attentive to Him, and it was said of Him that He spoke not as the scribes and Pharisees, for His word was as of one who had authority.... CT 240.1"
Both passages mention the positive reception of Jesus' teaching by the common people. While Mark 12:37 focuses on their gladness in hearing Him, the EGW quote emphasizes their attentiveness and understanding. There is a thematic overlap in the positive response of the common people to Jesus' teachings.
Mark 12:41
"And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much."
"Jesus was in the court where were the treasure chests, and He watched those who came to deposit their gifts. Many of the rich brought large sums, which they presented with great ostentation. Jesus looked upon them sadly, but made no comment on their liberal offerings. Presently His countenance lighted as He saw a poor widow approach hesitatingly, as though fearful of being observed. As the rich and haughty swept by, to deposit their offerings, she shrank back as if hardly daring to venture farther. And yet she longed to do something, little though it might be, for the cause she loved. She looked at the gift in her hand. It was very small in comparison with the gifts of those around her, yet it was her all. Watching her opportunity, she hurriedly threw in her two mites, and turned to hasten away. But in doing this she caught the eye of Jesus, which was fastened earnestly upon her. DA 614.4"
The EGW passage directly recounts the biblical story of the widow's offering, providing details and interpretations of the scene described in Mark 12:41.
Mark 12:41-44
"And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."
Chapter 67—Woes on the Pharisees This chapter is based on Matthew 23 ; Mark 12:41-44 ; Luke 20:45-47 ; Luke 21:1-4 . It was the last day of Christ's teaching in the temple. Of the vast throngs that were gathered at Jerusalem, the attention of all had been attracted to Him; the people had crowded the temple courts, watching the contest that had been in progress, and they eagerly caught every word that fell from His lips. Never before had such a scene been witnessed. There stood the young Galilean, bearing no earthly honor or royal badge. Surrounding Him were priests in their rich apparel, rulers with robes and badges significant of their exalted station, and scribes with scrolls in their hands, to which they made frequent reference. Jesus stood calmly before them, with the dignity of a king. As one invested with the authority of heaven, He looked unflinchingly upon His adversaries, who had rejected and despised His teachings, and who thirsted for His life. They had assailed Him in great…
Ellen White directly references Mark 12:41-44 in this passage.
Mark 12:42
"And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing."
"In the harvest the seed is multiplied. A single grain of wheat, increased by repeated sowings, would cover a whole land with golden sheaves. So widespread may be the influence of a single life, of even a single act. Ed 109.2 What deeds of love the memory of that alabaster box broken for Christ's anointing has through the long centuries prompted! What countless gifts that contribution, by a poor unnamed widow, of “two mites, which make a farthing” ( Mark 12:42 ), has brought to the Saviour's cause! Ed 109.3"
Ellen White directly references Mark 12:42 in this passage.
There are many who in good faith have sent in to the office means which they had to make a sacrifice to obtain. Some, both men and women, have worked very hard, and consecrated to the Lord the means obtained by hard labor and the closest economy, and have sent it to the office to advance the cause. Poor widows have sent nearly their whole dependence, trusting in God to take care of them, and the means has been consecrated with prayers and tears, yet sent with joyfulness, they feeling that they were aiding in the great work of saving souls. Poor families have sold their only cow, denying themselves and their little children of milk, feeling that they were making a sacrifice for God. They have put their means into the office in good faith. Selfishness and mismanagement have helped to squander this means. God holds those accountable who have had the handling of it. “Give an account of thy stewardship,” will soon be heard. May the Lord help you to free yourselves from every blemish. 2T 571…
The EGW passage describes poor widows sacrificing their means to support the cause, mirroring the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42 who gave all she had. The EGW passage amplifies the theme of sacrifice and devotion, highlighting the contrast between the widow's generosity and the mismanagement of funds by others.
"Some give of their abundance, but yet they feel no lack. They do not particularly deny themselves of anything for the cause of Christ. They still have all that heart can wish. They give liberally and heartily. God regards it, and the action and motive are known and strictly marked by Him. They will not lose their reward. You who cannot bestow so liberally must not excuse yourselves because you cannot do as much as some others. Do what you can. Deny yourselves of some article that you can get along without, and sacrifice for the cause of God. Like the widow, cast in your two mites. You will actually give more than all those who give of their abundance; and you will know how sweet it is to deny self, to give to the needy, to sacrifice for the truth, and to lay up treasure in heaven. 1T 177.1"
The EGW passage explicitly references the widow's mites, making this an explicit allusion rather than just a thematic parallel.
"tracts to be distributed gratuitously. This was the best we could do, and we did this little gladly. I could earn only twenty-five cents a day; but my dress was plain, nothing was spent for needless ornaments, for vain display appeared sinful in my eyes; so I had ever a little fund in store with which to purchase suitable books. These were placed in the hands of experienced persons to send abroad. 1T 38.2"
Both passages highlight the sacrifice of someone with limited means contributing to a greater cause. EGW's passage describes her sacrificing personal comforts to purchase books for distribution, while the widow in Mark offers her meager earnings. The connection is thematic, focusing on sacrificial giving, but not a direct allusion.
Mark 12:43
"And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:"
"The humble gift from the poorer class is not, in the sight of God, inferior to the larger offerings of the more wealthy. The Lord will add His blessing to the gift, making its errand of love fruitful in accordance with the wholehearted cheerfulness with which it is bestowed. The mites from every source should be carefully cherished. 7T 295.1"
EGW's discussion of the value of humble gifts from the poor directly alludes to the story of the widow's mite in Mark 12:43, where Jesus praises her offering as greater than the larger gifts of the wealthy.
"Christ unsparingly condemned abuses, but He was careful not to lessen obligation. He rebuked the selfishness that extorted and misapplied the widow's gifts. At the same time He commended the widow who brought her offering for God's treasury. Man's abuse of the gift could not turn God's blessing from the giver. DA 614.3"
Both passages discuss the widow's offering and Christ's commendation of her generosity. The EGW passage provides additional commentary on the event.
"The Saviour called His disciples to Him, and bade them mark the widow's poverty. Then His words of commendation fell upon her ear: “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all.” Tears of joy filled her eyes as she felt that her act was understood and appreciated. Many would have advised her to keep her pittance for her own use; given into the hands of the well-fed priests, it would be lost sight of among the many costly gifts brought to the treasury. But Jesus understood her motive. She believed the service of the temple to be of God's appointment, and she was anxious to do her utmost to sustain it. She did what she could, and her act was to be a monument to her memory through all time, and her joy in eternity. Her heart went with her gift; its value was estimated, not by the worth of the coin, but by the love to God and the interest in His work that had prompted the deed. DA 615.1"
This EGW passage continues the narrative from the previous one, focusing on Jesus' commendation of the widow, which is a direct reference to Mark 12:43. It expands on the meaning and significance of her act.
"Jesus said of the poor widow, She “hath cast in more than they all.” The rich had bestowed from their abundance, many of them to be seen and honored by men. Their large donations had deprived them of no comfort, or even luxury; they had required no sacrifice, and could not be compared in value with the widow's mite. DA 615.2"
The passage directly references Jesus' statement about the poor widow casting in more than all the rich, which is found in Mark 12:43.
When Jesus said of the widow, She “hath cast in more than they all,” His words were true, not only of the motive, but of the results of her gift. The “two mites which make a farthing” have brought to God's treasury an amount of money far greater than the contributions of those rich Jews. The influence of that little gift has been like a stream, small in its beginning, but widening and deepening as it flowed down through the ages. In a thousand ways it has contributed to the relief of the poor and the spread of the gospel. Her example of self- sacrifice has acted and reacted upon thousands of hearts in every land and in every age. It has appealed to both the rich and the poor, and their offerings have swelled the value of her gift. God's blessing upon the widow's mite has made it the source of great results. So with every gift bestowed and every act performed with a sincere desire for God's glory. It is linked with the purposes of Omnipotence. Its results for good no man can measure. DA…
The passage directly references Jesus' statement about the widow giving more than all the rich, found in Mark 12:43.
Mark 12:43-44
"And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."
The plan of systematic benevolence does not press heavily upon any one man. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” The poor are not excluded from the privilege of giving. They, as well as the wealthy, may act a part in this work. The lesson that Christ gave in regard to the widow's two mites shows us that the smallest willing offerings of the poor, if given from a heart of love, are as acceptable as the largest donations of the rich. 3T 398.2 In the balances of the sanctuary the gifts of the poor, made from love to Christ, are not estimated according to the amount given, but according to the love which prompts the sacrifice. The promises of Jesus will as surely be realized by the liberal poor man, who has but little to offer, but who gives that little freely, as by the wealt…
EGW directly references the story of the widow's mites and draws a parallel to the value of small offerings given with love.
Mark 12:44
"For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."
"The act of the widow who cast two mites—all that she had—into the treasury, is placed on record for the encouragement of those who, struggling with poverty, still desire by their gifts to aid the cause of God. Christ called the attention of the disciples to this woman, who had given “all her living.” Mark 12:44 . He esteemed her gift of more value than the large offerings of those whose alms did not call for self-denial. From their abundance they had given a small portion. To make her offering, the widow had deprived herself of even the necessities of life, trusting God to supply her needs for the morrow. Of her the Saviour declared, “Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury.” Verse 43 . Thus He taught that the value of the gift is estimated not by the amount, but by the proportion that is given and the motive that actuates the giver. AA 342.1"
The EGW passage directly references the story of the widow's offering in Mark 12:44, providing commentary and interpretation of the event.