"be prompt in attending to the patients. He knows that delays are dangerous. When his experienced hand is laid upon the pulse of the sufferer, and he carefully notes the peculiar indication of the malady, his previous knowledge enables him to determine concerning the nature of the disease and the treatment necessary to arrest its progress. As the physician deals with physical disease, so does the pastor minister to the sin-sick soul. And his work is as much more important than that of the former as eternal life is more valuable than temporal existence. The pastor meets with an endless variety of temperaments; and it is his duty to become acquainted with the members of families that listen to his teachings, in order to determine what means will best influence them in the right direction. 4T 267.1"
"But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick."
Both passages draw a parallel between the work of a physician and the work of a pastor. The EGW passage explicitly compares the pastor's ministry to the sin-sick soul with the physician's treatment of physical disease. Matthew 9:12 uses the analogy of a physician to explain why Jesus associated with sinners.
"In view of these grave responsibilities, the question will arise: “Who is sufficient for these things?” The heart of the laborer will almost faint as he considers the various arduous duties devolving upon him; but the words of Christ strengthen the soul with the comforting assurance: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” The difficulties and dangers that threaten the safety of those he loves should make him cautious and circumspect in his manner of dealing with them, and watchful of them as one who must give an account. He should judiciously employ his influence in winning souls to Christ and impressing the truth upon inquiring minds. He should take care that the world, by its delusive attractions, does not lead them away from God and steel their hearts to the influence of His grace. 4T 267.2"
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
EGW directly quotes Matthew 28:20.
"To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?"
The EGW passage directly quotes and responds to the question posed in 2 Corinthians 2:16, 'Who is sufficient for these things?' This is a clear and explicit allusion, making the connection strong and undeniable.
"The minister is not to rule imperiously over the flock entrusted to his care, but to be their ensample, and to show them the way to heaven. Following the example of Christ, he should intercede with God for the people of his care till he sees that his prayers are answered. Jesus exercised human and divine sympathy toward man. He is our example in all things. God is our Father and Governor, and the Christian minister is the representative of His Son on earth. The principles which rule in heaven should rule upon earth; the same love that animates the angels, the same purity and holiness that reign in heaven, should, as far as possible, be reproduced upon earth. God holds the minister responsible for the power he exercises, but does not justify His servants in perverting that power into despotism over the flock of their care. 4T 267.3"
"Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."
EGW echoes the sentiment of 1 Peter 5:3, advising ministers to be examples rather than domineering.
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
EGW's call to follow Christ's example aligns with the principle in 1 Corinthians 11:1.