"The little ones should be educated in childlike simplicity. They should be trained to be content with the small, helpful duties and the pleasures and experiences natural to their years. Childhood answers to the blade in the parable, and the blade has a beauty peculiarly its own. The children should not be forced into a precocious maturity, but should retain as long as possible the freshness and grace of their early years. CT 142.1"
"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
EGW's emphasis on childlike simplicity and retaining the freshness of early years aligns thematically with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:3 about becoming like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. Both passages value the qualities associated with childhood.
"The little children may be Christians, having an experience in accordance with their years. This is all that God expects of them. They need to be educated in spiritual things; and parents should give them every advantage, that they may form characters after the similitude of the character of Christ. CT 142.3"
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
Both passages emphasize the importance of growth and development in spiritual and personal character. Luke 2:52 describes Jesus' growth in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man, while the EGW passage speaks of educating children in spiritual things to form characters after the similitude of Christ.