"It was John's deep love for Christ which led him always to desire to be close by His side. The Saviour loved all the Twelve, but John's was the most receptive spirit. He was younger than the others, and with more of the child's confiding trust he opened his heart to Jesus. Thus he came more into sympathy with Christ, and through him the Saviour's deepest spiritual teaching was communicated to the people. AA 545.1"
"Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved."
The EGW passage elaborates on the relationship between John and Jesus, specifically John's closeness and receptiveness, which is directly linked to the verse describing John leaning on Jesus' bosom, implying a special relationship of love and trust.
"Jesus loves those who represent the Father, and John could talk of the Father's love as no other of the disciples could. He revealed to his fellow men that which he felt in his own soul, representing in his character the attributes of God. The glory of the Lord was expressed in his face. The beauty of holiness which had transformed him shone with a Christlike radiance from his countenance. In adoration and love he beheld the Saviour until likeness to Christ and fellowship with Him became his one desire, and in his character was reflected the character of his Master. AA 545.2"
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Both passages describe the transformative power of beholding God's glory, resulting in a reflection of His character. The EGW passage specifically mentions John reflecting the attributes of God and having a Christlike radiance, which aligns with the concept of being 'changed into the same image' in 2 Corinthians 3:18.