"As Jesus asked for baptism, John drew back, exclaiming, “I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?” With firm yet gentle authority, Jesus answered, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” And John, yielding, led the Saviour down into the Jordan, and buried Him beneath the water. “And straightway coming up out of the water,” Jesus “saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him.” DA 111.1"
"But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?"
The EGW passage directly quotes and paraphrases Matthew 3:14, recounting the event of Jesus' baptism by John.
"Jesus did not receive baptism as a confession of guilt on His own account. He identified Himself with sinners, taking the steps that we are to take, and doing the work that we must do. His life of suffering and patient endurance after His baptism was also an example to us. DA 111.2"
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
Both passages discuss Jesus identifying with sinners and taking on their burden. The EGW passage focuses on baptism as an example, while 2 Corinthians 5:21 speaks of Jesus becoming sin for us.
"Upon coming up out of the water, Jesus bowed in prayer on the river bank. A new and important era was opening before Him. He was now, upon a wider stage, entering on the conflict of His life. Though He was the Prince of Peace, His coming must be as the unsheathing of a sword. The kingdom He had come to establish was the opposite of that which the Jews desired. He who was the foundation of the ritual and economy of Israel would be looked upon as its enemy and destroyer. He who had proclaimed the law upon Sinai would be condemned as a transgressor. He who had come to break the power of Satan would be denounced as Beelzebub. No one upon earth had understood Him, and during His ministry He must still walk alone. Throughout His life His mother and His brothers did not comprehend His mission. Even His disciples did not understand Him. He had dwelt in eternal light, as one with God, but His life on earth must be spent in solitude. DA 111.3"
"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:"
Both passages describe the scene after Jesus' baptism. While Matthew 3:16 focuses on the descent of the Spirit, the EGW passage elaborates on the significance of the event and the challenges Jesus would face. The connection is thematic, focusing on the implications of the baptism.
"Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,"
Both passages describe Jesus praying after being baptized and the opening of heaven. The EGW passage expands on the significance of this moment. The connection is thematic, focusing on the implications of the baptism.
"As one with us, He must bear the burden of our guilt and woe. The Sinless One must feel the shame of sin. The peace lover must dwell with strife, the truth must abide with falsehood, purity with vileness. Every sin, every discord, every defiling lust that transgression had brought, was torture to His spirit. DA 111.4"
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
The EGW passage directly reflects the concept of Christ becoming sin for us, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21. It amplifies the verse by describing the implications of this act for Christ.
"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted."
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Isaiah 53:4, focusing on Christ bearing our griefs and sorrows. It expands on the nature of those griefs and sorrows, emphasizing the torture to His spirit.
"Alone He must tread the path; alone He must bear the burden. Upon Him who had laid off His glory and accepted the weakness of humanity the redemption of the world must rest. He saw and felt it all, but His purpose remained steadfast. Upon His arm depended the salvation of the fallen race, and He reached out His hand to grasp the hand of Omnipotent Love. DA 111.5"
"I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment."
Both passages emphasize the solitude of Christ in His redemptive work. While Isaiah 63:3 speaks of treading the winepress alone in anger, the EGW passage speaks of Christ treading the path and bearing the burden alone for salvation. The theme of solitude is prominent in both.
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."
Both passages touch on the theme of Christ's humiliation and subsequent glory. Hebrews 2:9 speaks of Jesus being made lower than the angels and tasting death, then being crowned with glory. The EGW passage speaks of Christ laying off His glory and accepting the weakness of humanity for redemption.
"The Saviour's glance seems to penetrate heaven as He pours out His soul in prayer. Well He knows how sin has hardened the hearts of men, and how difficult it will be for them to discern His mission, and accept the gift of salvation. He pleads with the Father for power to overcome their unbelief, to break the fetters with which Satan has enthralled them, and in their behalf to conquer the destroyer. He asks for the witness that God accepts humanity in the person of His Son. DA 111.6"
"I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine."
Both passages highlight Jesus' intercessory prayer. John 17:9 specifically mentions Jesus praying for those given to Him. The EGW passage elaborates on the content of that prayer, focusing on overcoming unbelief and breaking Satan's fetters.
"But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Both passages deal with Jesus praying for his followers, specifically concerning their faith. The EGW passage expands on the purpose and intensity of Jesus' prayer, while Luke 22:32 is a specific instance of that prayer. The connection is thematic, not a direct allusion.