"This “is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it.” The Pharisees of Christ's day closed their eyes lest they should see, and their ears lest they should hear; therefore the truth could not reach their hearts. They were to suffer retribution for their willful ignorance and self-imposed blindness. But Christ taught His disciples that they were to open their minds to instruction, and be ready to believe. He pronounced a blessing upon them because they saw and heard with eyes and ears that believed. COL 59.1"
"But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear."
EGW alludes directly to Matthew 13:16, referencing the blessing on those who see and hear.
"For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."
EGW is directly referencing and expanding upon the concept presented in Matthew 13:15 regarding those who willfully close their minds to truth.
"The good-ground hearer receives the word “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 . Only he who receives the Scriptures as the voice of God speaking to himself is a true learner. He trembles at the word; for to him it is a living reality. He opens his understanding and his heart to receive it. Such hearers were Cornelius and his friends, who said to the apostle Peter, “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Acts 10:33 . COL 59.2"
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."
Ellen White directly references 1 Thessalonians 2:13 in this passage.
"Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God."
Ellen White directly references Acts 10:33 in this passage.
"A knowledge of the truth depends not so much upon strength of intellect as upon pureness of purpose, the simplicity of an earnest, dependent faith. To those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance, angels of God draw near. The Holy Spirit is given to open to them the rich treasures of the truth. COL 59.3"
"At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
Both passages emphasize that understanding spiritual truths is not dependent on intellect but on humility and a receptive heart. Matthew 11:25 speaks of God revealing truths to 'babes' rather than the 'wise and prudent,' which aligns with EGW's statement.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
Both passages connect seeking divine guidance with receiving the Holy Spirit and understanding truth. EGW expands on the idea of humility being a prerequisite.
"The good-ground hearers, having heard the word, keep it. Satan with all his agencies of evil is not able to catch it away. COL 59.4"
"When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side."
The EGW passage directly references the parable of the sower and the seed being snatched away by Satan, mirroring the language and concept in Matthew 13:19.
"Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved."
Both passages discuss the devil taking away the word from those who hear it. EGW's statement directly echoes the concept in Luke 8:12.
"Merely to hear or to read the word is not enough. He who desires to be profited by the Scriptures must meditate upon the truth that has been presented to him. By earnest attention and prayerful thought he must learn the meaning of the words of truth, and drink deep of the spirit of the holy oracles. COL 59.5"
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."
Both passages emphasize the importance of meditating on God's word. The EGW passage expands on the idea of meditation presented in Psalm 1:2, providing practical steps for how to meditate effectively.
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
Both passages highlight the importance of meditating on scripture. Joshua 1:8 commands meditation on the book of the law day and night, while EGW emphasizes meditating on the truth presented in scripture. The connection is clear and supports the idea of diligent study.