"In the days of Christ the established teachers instructed men in the traditions of the fathers, in childish fables, with which were mingled the opinions of those who were thought to be high authorities. Yet neither high nor low could find light or strength in their teaching. CT 29.1"
"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?"
Both passages contrast the teachings of Jesus with the traditions of religious leaders. Matthew 15:3 highlights the transgression of God's commandments through tradition, while the EGW passage criticizes the established teachers for instructing men in traditions and fables, lacking light and strength.
"Jesus spake as never man spake. He poured out to men the whole treasure of heaven in wisdom and knowledge. He had not come to utter uncertain sentiments and opinions, but to speak truth established on eternal principles. He could have made disclosures in the sciences that would have placed the discoveries of the greatest men in the background as utter littleness; but this was not His mission or His work. He had come to seek and to save the lost, and He would not permit Himself to be turned from His object. He revealed truths that had been buried under the rubbish of error, and He freed them from the exactions and traditions of men, and bade them stand fast forever. He rescued truth from its obscurity, and set it in its proper framework, that it might shine with its original luster. What wonder that crowds followed in the footsteps of the Lord and gave Him homage as they listened to His words! CT 29.2"
"The officers answered, Never man spake like this man."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment expressed in John 7:46, that Jesus spoke as never man spoke. The EGW passage elaborates on the wisdom and knowledge Jesus imparted, aligning with the officers' astonishment at His speech.