"The Lord Jesus Christ has infinite tenderness for those whom he has purchased at the cost of his own sufferings in the flesh, that they should not perish with the devil and his angels, but that he may claim them as his chosen ones. They are the claim of his love, of his own property; and he looks upon them with unutterable affection, and the fragrance of his own righteousness he gives to his loved ones who believe in him. It requires tact and wisdom and human love, and sanctified affection for the precious lambs of the flock, to lead them to see and appreciate their privilege in yielding themselves up to the tender guidance of the faithful shepherds. The children of God will exercise the gentleness of Jesus Christ. CE 146.1"
"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"
Both passages discuss the redemption of believers through the sacrifice of Christ. EGW emphasizes the cost of Christ's suffering and the idea of believers being his 'property,' while 1 Peter focuses on the precious blood of Christ as the means of redemption.
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"
Both passages discuss God's choosing of believers. EGW emphasizes Christ's claim on believers and his affection for them, while Ephesians 1:4-5 focuses on predestination and adoption as children of God.
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
Both passages use the shepherd/sheep metaphor. EGW mentions 'faithful shepherds' and 'precious lambs,' while John 10:11 directly states that Jesus is the good shepherd who gives his life for the sheep.
"Teachers, Jesus is in your school every day. His great heart of infinite love is drawn out, not only for the best-behaved children, who have the most favorable surroundings, but for children who have by inheritance objectionable traits of character. Even parents have not understood how much they are responsible for the traits of character developed in their children, and have not had the tenderness and wisdom to deal with these poor children, whom they have made what they are. They fail to trace back the cause of these discouraging developments which are a trial to them. But Jesus looks upon these children with pity and with love, for he sees, he understands from cause to effect. CE 146.2"
"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 Jesus's love and acceptance of children, although the EGW passage expands on the reasons for that love and the responsibility of parents and teachers.
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
Both passages highlight Jesus's concern for those who are struggling or lost. The EGW passage focuses on children with 'objectionable traits,' while the Bible verse speaks of the lost sheep. The common thread is Jesus's compassion and effort to reach those in need.
"The teacher may bind these children to his or her heart by the love of Christ abiding in the soul-temple as a sweet fragrance, a savor of life unto life. The teachers may, through the grace of Christ imparted to them, be the living human agency—be laborers together with God—to enlighten, lift up, encourage, and help to purify the soul from its moral defilement; and the image of God shall be revealed in the soul of the child, and the character become transformed by the grace of Christ. CE 146.3"
"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 uses the phrase 'savor of life unto life' from 2 Corinthians 2:16, indicating a clear connection. The broader context of the EGW passage also aligns with the idea of teachers being agents of spiritual transformation.
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Both passages discuss the idea of Christ living within a person and transforming their character. The EGW passage speaks of the 'image of God' being revealed in the child's soul, while Galatians 2:20 emphasizes Christ living in the believer.