"In the command to go into the highways and hedges, Christ sets forth the work of all whom He calls to minister in His name. The whole world is the field for Christ's ministers. The whole human family is comprised in their congregation. The Lord desires that His word of grace shall be brought home to every soul. COL 229.1"
"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."
The EGW passage directly references the command to 'go into the highways and hedges,' which is a clear and explicit allusion to Luke 14:23.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
Both passages emphasize the importance of spreading the gospel to all people. Matthew 28:19 is the Great Commission, and the EGW passage directly reflects this principle by stating that 'the whole world is the field' and that God's word should reach 'every soul.'
"To a great degree this must be accomplished by personal labor. This was Christ's method. His work was largely made up of personal interviews. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience. Through that one soul the message was often extended to thousands. COL 229.2"
"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people."
Both passages highlight Jesus' active ministry of teaching and preaching, emphasizing His personal engagement with people in various locations. The EGW passage amplifies the idea of personal labor, which is exemplified in Matthew 9:35.
"Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?"
The EGW passage speaks of reaching thousands through one soul, which is illustrated by the Samaritan woman in John 4:29. Her testimony led many to believe in Jesus. This is a good example of how one person's encounter with Christ can impact many.
"We are not to wait for souls to come to us; we must seek them out where they are. When the word has been preached in the pulpit, the work has but just begun. There are multitudes who will never be reached by the gospel unless it is carried to them. COL 229.3"
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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."
The EGW passage directly echoes the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, emphasizing the need to actively seek out and teach all nations, rather than waiting for them to come.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
The EGW passage emphasizes the need to actively seek out souls to share the gospel, rather than waiting for them to come. This directly reflects the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, which commands believers to 'go and make disciples of all nations.'
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
The EGW passage directly reflects the command in Mark 16:15 to go into all the world and preach the gospel. It reinforces the idea of actively taking the message to people.
"The invitation to the feast was first given to the Jewish people, the people who had been called to stand as teachers and leaders among men, the people in whose hands were the prophetic scrolls foretelling Christ's advent, and to whom was committed the symbolic service foreshadowing His mission. Had priests and people heeded the call, they would have united with Christ's messengers in giving the gospel invitation to the world. The truth was sent to them that they might impart it. When they refused the call, it was sent to the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. Publicans and sinners received the invitation. When the gospel call is sent to the Gentiles, there is the same plan of working. The message is first to be given “in the highways”—to men who have an active part in the world's work, to the teachers and leaders of the people. COL 229.4"
"And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come."
The EGW passage directly references the parable of the wedding feast and expands upon the initial invitation to the Jews and its subsequent extension to others after the initial rejection. The connection is clear and meaningful.