"Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. He spoke as one who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life. He spoke as one familiar with heaven, conscious of His relationship to God, yet recognizing His unity with every member of the human family. DA 254.1"
"For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
The EGW passage describes Jesus' teaching style as authoritative and focused on eternal realities, contrasting with a focus on earthly things. This directly parallels Matthew 7:29, which states that Jesus taught with authority, unlike the scribes. The EGW passage expands on the nature of that authority and its impact.
"His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. He knew “how to speak a word in season to him that is weary” ( Isaiah 50:4 ); for grace was poured upon His lips, that He might convey to men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth. He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with illustrations that won their attention. Through the imagination He reached the heart. His illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,—with these objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled His words. Christ's illustrations constantly repeated His lessons. DA 254.2"
"The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 50:4 in this passage.
"All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:"
The EGW passage directly quotes Isaiah 50:4 and then elaborates on Jesus's teaching methods, which are exemplified in Matthew's gospel.
"And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?"
Both passages highlight the gracious and captivating nature of Jesus' words. Luke 4:22 describes the people's wonder at the gracious words proceeding from Jesus' mouth. The EGW passage elaborates on this, explaining how Jesus used tact, illustrations, and relatable examples to convey truth in an attractive way. While not a direct quote, the theme of gracious and effective communication is present in both.
"Christ never flattered men. He never spoke that which would exalt their fancies and imaginations, nor did He praise them for their clever inventions; but deep, unprejudiced thinkers received His teaching, and found that it tested their wisdom. They marveled at the spiritual truth expressed in the simplest language. The most highly educated were charmed with His words, and the uneducated were always profited. He had a message for the illiterate; and He made even the heathen to understand that He had a message for them. DA 254.3"
"The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them."
Both passages describe the impact of Jesus's ministry on various groups of people, particularly the marginalized and those considered less educated. While there's no direct quote, the themes of inclusivity and accessibility are strongly present in both.
"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually. DA 254.4"
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
The EGW passage describes the compassion and peace that emanated from Jesus, drawing people to Him. This directly parallels the invitation in Matthew 11:28, where Jesus offers rest to the weary and heavy-laden.