"Jesus reproved His disciples, He warned and cautioned them; but John and his brethren did not leave Him; they chose Jesus, notwithstanding the reproofs. The Saviour did not withdraw from them because of their weakness and errors. They continued to the end to share His trials and to learn the lessons of His life. By beholding Christ, they became transformed in character. DA 296.1"
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Both passages highlight the transformative power of beholding Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 states that by beholding the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image. EGW similarly states that by beholding Christ, the disciples became transformed in character. The core idea of transformation through beholding is shared.
"grievances, their differences of opinion; but while Christ was abiding in the heart, there could be no dissension. His love would lead to love for one another; the lessons of the Master would lead to the harmonizing of all differences, bringing the disciples into unity, till they would be of one mind and one judgment. Christ is the great center, and they would approach one another just in proportion as they approached the center. DA 296.2"
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
Both passages emphasize unity and agreement among believers, directly linking it to Christ. The EGW passage expands on the means to achieve this unity, centering on Christ's love and teachings.
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
The EGW passage speaks of Christ's love leading to love for one another, which is the core principle of John 13:35. The EGW passage elaborates on the practical implications of this love within the Christian community.
"When Jesus had ended His instruction to the disciples, He gathered the little band close about Him, and kneeling in the midst of them, and laying His hands upon their heads, He offered a prayer dedicating them to His sacred work. Thus the Lord's disciples were ordained to the gospel ministry. DA 296.3"
"And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;"
Both passages describe Jesus preparing his disciples for ministry through prayer. While Luke 6:12-13 describes Jesus praying before choosing the disciples, the EGW passage describes Jesus praying *for* the disciples, dedicating them to their work. There is a clear thematic connection, though the details differ.
"As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Christ took upon Himself humanity, that He might reach humanity. Divinity needed humanity; for it required both the divine and the human to bring salvation to the world. Divinity needed humanity, that humanity might afford a channel of communication between God and man. So with the servants and messengers of Christ. Man needs a power outside of and beyond himself, to restore him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do the work of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power, Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and through co- operation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good. DA 296.4"
"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."
The EGW passage elaborates on the idea that Christ took on humanity to reach humanity, which is the central theme of Hebrews 2:17. Both passages emphasize the importance of Christ's humanity in the plan of salvation.