"Jesus sat as an honored guest at the table of the publicans, by His sympathy and social kindliness showing that He recognized the dignity of humanity; and men longed to become worthy of His confidence. Upon their thirsty hearts His words fell with blessed, life-giving power. New impulses were awakened, and the possibility of a new life opened to these outcasts of society. DA 274.2"
"And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples."
The EGW passage expands on the scene described in Matthew 9:10, focusing on the impact of Jesus's interaction with publicans and sinners. It's a thematic parallel rather than a direct quote, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus's acceptance.
"At such gatherings as this, not a few were impressed by the Saviour's teaching who did not acknowledge Him until after His ascension. When the Holy Spirit was poured out, and three thousand were converted in a day, there were among them many who first heard the truth at the table of the publicans, and some of these became messengers of the gospel. To Matthew himself the example of Jesus at the feast was a constant lesson. The despised publican became one of the most devoted evangelists, in his own ministry following closely in his Master's steps. DA 274.3"
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
The EGW passage connects the conversion of 3000 people on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41) with the earlier ministry of Jesus among publicans, suggesting that some of those converted had been influenced by Jesus's earlier interactions. This is a thematic parallel, not a direct quote or explicit allusion.