"The Presence of Christ in the Schoolroom My brother, my sister, may the Lord impart wisdom to you both, that you may know how to deal with minds. May the Lord teach you how great things He can do if you will only believe. Carry Jesus with you, as your companion, into the schoolroom. Keep Him before you when you speak, that the law of kindness may proceed from your lips. Do not permit anyone to mold you in this matter. Allow the children under your care to have an individuality, as well as yourselves. Ever try to lead them, but never drive them. 5T 653"
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Both passages emphasize meekness and learning from Jesus. The EGW quote encourages carrying Jesus into the schoolroom and speaking with kindness, reflecting the meekness and lowliness of heart mentioned in Matthew 11:29. The idea of taking on Christ's yoke and learning from Him is reflected in the EGW's call to carry Jesus as a companion.
"I see some things here in Switzerland that I think are worthy of imitation. The teachers of the schools often go out with their pupils while they are at play and teach them how to amuse themselves and are at hand to repress any disorder or wrong. Sometimes they take their scholars out and have a long walk with them. I like this; I think there is less opportunity for the children to yield to temptation. The teachers seem to enter into the sports of the children and to regulate them. I cannot in any way sanction the idea that children must feel that they are under a constant distrust and cannot act as children. But let the teachers join in the amusements of the children, be one with them, and show that they want them to be happy, and it will give the children confidence. They may be controlled by love, but not by following them at their meals and in their amusements with a stern, unbending severity. 5T 653.2"
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Both passages emphasize a positive and welcoming approach to children. Matthew 19:14 encourages allowing children to come to Jesus, while the EGW quote advocates for teachers to join in the children's amusements and create a happy environment. The underlying principle is similar: creating a nurturing and accepting atmosphere for children.
"Let me say here that those who have never had children of their own are not usually the best qualified to manage wisely the varied minds of children and youth. They are apt to make one law, from which there can be no appeal. Teachers must remember that they themselves were once children. They should adapt their teaching to the minds of the children, placing themselves in sympathy with them; then the children can be instructed and benefited both by precept and example. 5T 653.3"
"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."
Both passages touch on the importance of understanding and relating to children from their perspective. 1 Corinthians 13:11 speaks of putting away childish things upon becoming an adult, implying an understanding of the childish perspective. The EGW quote directly states that teachers should remember they were once children and adapt their teaching to the minds of the children, placing themselves in sympathy with them.