"The disciples had been much disappointed that Jesus had not tried to secure the co-operation of the leaders in Israel. They felt that it was a mistake not to strengthen His cause by securing the support of these influential men. If He had repulsed Judas, they would, in their own minds, have questioned the wisdom of their Master. The after history of Judas would show them the danger of allowing any worldly consideration to have weight in deciding the fitness of men for the work of God. The co-operation of such men as the disciples were anxious to secure would have betrayed the work into the hands of its worst enemies. DA 294.2"
"Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?"
The EGW passage discusses the disciples' potential questioning of Jesus' wisdom if He had rejected Judas, and the danger of worldly considerations in choosing people for God's work. John 6:70 reveals that Jesus chose Judas, knowing he was a 'devil.' There's a connection in that both passages deal with the selection of individuals for God's work and the potential for flawed judgment or hidden motives.
"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:"
Both passages address the idea that God's chosen people are not necessarily the wealthy or powerful. The EGW passage speaks to the disciples' desire for influential allies, while 1 Corinthians 1:26 states that not many wise, mighty, or noble are called. The connection is thematic, but not a direct quote or allusion.
"day by day, be brought in contact with the outflowing of His own unselfish love. If he would open his heart to Christ, divine grace would banish the demon of selfishness, and even Judas might become a subject of the kingdom of God. DA 294.3"
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
Both passages discuss a transformation of the heart, removing negative traits and instilling new, positive ones through divine intervention. EGW's passage speaks of banishing selfishness through Christ's grace, while Ezekiel speaks of removing a stony heart and replacing it with a heart of flesh. The core concept of inner transformation is shared.
"God takes men as they are, with the human elements in their character, and trains them for His service, if they will be disciplined and learn of Him. They are not chosen because they are perfect, but notwithstanding their imperfections, that through the knowledge and practice of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become transformed into His image. DA 294.4"
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Both passages emphasize learning from Jesus and being transformed. The EGW passage speaks of God taking imperfect people and training them, while the Bible verse encourages learning meekness and lowliness from Jesus. The connection is thematic and supports the idea of discipleship and transformation.
"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
Both passages discuss being conformed to the image of Christ/His Son. EGW expands on the process of transformation, while Romans 8:29 speaks of predestination to that end. The connection is strong and meaningful.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
Both passages address the idea of transformation and becoming new in Christ. EGW speaks of being transformed into His image, while 2 Corinthians 5:17 speaks of becoming a new creature. The connection is valid and strengthens the understanding of spiritual transformation.
"Judas had the same opportunities as had the other disciples. He listened to the same precious lessons. But the practice of the truth, which Christ required, was at variance with the desires and purposes of Judas, and he would not yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from Heaven. DA 294.5"
"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
John 7:17 states that doing God's will leads to knowing the doctrine. EGW's statement about Judas not practicing the truth and therefore not receiving wisdom from Heaven directly reflects this principle. The connection is clear and significant.
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
James 1:22 emphasizes being doers of the word, not just hearers. EGW's statement about Judas not practicing the truth aligns directly with this principle. The connection is strong and meaningful.
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Both passages highlight the importance of obedience and doing what Christ says. EGW discusses Judas's failure to practice the truth, while Luke 6:46 questions why people call Jesus 'Lord' but don't do what He says. The connection is valid and reinforces the need for practical obedience.