The spies dared not answer Christ in the presence of the multitude, for fear of involving themselves in difficulty. They knew that He had spoken the truth. Rather than violate their traditions, they would leave a man to suffer, while they would relieve a brute because of the loss to the owner if it were neglected. Thus greater care was shown for a dumb animal than for man, who is made in the image of God. This illustrates the working of all false religions. They originate in man's desire to exalt himself above God, but they result in degrading man below the brute. Every religion that wars against the sovereignty of God defrauds man of the glory which was his at the creation, and which is to be restored to him in Christ. Every false religion teaches its adherents to be careless of human needs, sufferings, and rights. The gospel places a high value upon humanity as the purchase of the blood of Christ, and it teaches a tender regard for the wants and woes of man. The Lord says, “I will ma…
"I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 13:12 in this passage.
"In the healing of the withered hand, Jesus condemned the custom of the Jews, and left the fourth commandment standing as God had given it. “It is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days,” He declared. By sweeping away the senseless restrictions of the Jews, Christ honored the Sabbath, while those who complained of Him were dishonoring God's holy day. DA 287.2"
"How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days."
The EGW passage directly quotes Matthew 12:12, emphasizing the lawfulness of doing good on the Sabbath.
"And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace."
The EGW passage is a direct allusion to Mark 3:4, where Jesus asks whether it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.
"Those who hold that Christ abolished the law teach that He broke the Sabbath and justified His disciples in doing the same. Thus they are really taking the same ground as did the caviling Jews. In this they contradict the testimony of Christ Himself, who declared, “I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.” John 15:10 . Neither the Saviour nor His followers broke the law of the Sabbath. Christ was a living representative of the law. No violation of its holy precepts was found in His life. Looking upon a nation of witnesses who were seeking occasion to condemn Him, He could say unchallenged, “Which of you convicteth Me of sin?” John 8:46 , R. V. DA 287.3"
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love."
Ellen White directly references John 15:10 in this passage.
"Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?"
Ellen White directly references John 8:46 in this passage.
"The Saviour had not come to set aside what patriarchs and prophets had spoken; for He Himself had spoken through these representative men. All the truths of God's word came from Him. But these priceless gems had been placed in false settings. Their precious light had been made to minister to error. God desired them to be removed from their settings of error and replaced in the framework of truth. This work only a divine hand could accomplish. By its connection with error, the truth had been serving the cause of the enemy of God and man. Christ had come to place it where it would glorify God, and work the salvation of humanity. DA 287.4"
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
Both passages address the idea that Christ came to fulfill, not destroy, the law and the prophets. EGW expands on this by explaining how Christ removes the errors that had been attached to the truth, aligning with the concept of fulfilling the law in its true spirit.
"And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition."
Both passages address the issue of traditions distorting or nullifying God's commandments. Matthew 15:6 speaks of traditions making the commandment of God of none effect, while EGW speaks of 'priceless gems' (truths) being placed in 'false settings' and ministering to error. The core idea of human traditions corrupting divine truth is present in both.