"Jesus had not forgotten them. The Watcher on the shore saw those fear-stricken men battling with the tempest. Not for a moment did He lose sight of His disciples. With deepest solicitude His eyes followed the storm-tossed boat with its precious burden; for these men were to be the light of the world. As a mother in tender love watches her child, so the compassionate Master watched His disciples. When their hearts were subdued, their unholy ambition quelled, and in humility they prayed for help, it was given them. DA 381.1"
"And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone."
Both passages describe Jesus being separate from the disciples while they are in a boat, and the EGW passage elaborates on Jesus's concern for them while they are in danger.
"Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
Both passages convey the idea of God's constant watchfulness and care. The EGW passage applies this to Jesus watching over his disciples, while the Psalm speaks of God watching over Israel.
"The boat rocks at the will of the waves; all eyes are riveted on this vision of a man walking upon the white- capped billows of the foaming sea. DA 381.2"
"But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary."
The EGW passage directly describes the scene from Matthew 14:24, using similar imagery and focusing on the boat being tossed by waves.
"They think it a phantom that omens their destruction, and they cry out for fear. Jesus advances as if He would pass them; but they recognize Him, and cry out, entreating His help. Their beloved Master turns, His voice silences their fear, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” DA 381.3"
"And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear."
The EGW passage closely follows the narrative of Matthew 14:26, describing the disciples' fear and mistaken belief that Jesus was a spirit.
"But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."
The EGW passage directly quotes and elaborates on Jesus' words in Matthew 14:27, 'Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.'
"As soon as they could credit the wondrous fact, Peter was almost beside himself with joy. As if he could scarcely yet believe, he cried out, “Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. And He said, Come.” DA 381.4"
"And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water."
The EGW passage directly quotes and sets the scene for Peter's request in Matthew 14:28, 'Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.'
"Looking unto Jesus, Peter walks securely; but as in self-satisfaction he glances back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes are turned from the Saviour. The wind is boisterous. The waves roll high, and come directly between him and the Master; and he is afraid. For a moment Christ is hidden from his view, and his faith gives way. He begins to sink. But while the billows talk with death, Peter lifts his eyes from the angry waters, and fixing them upon Jesus, cries, “Lord, save me.” Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand, saying, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” DA 381.5"
"And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"
The EGW passage directly quotes and elaborates on the biblical verse, making the connection undeniable.
"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me."
The EGW passage is a direct retelling and expansion of the Matthew 14:30 account of Peter walking on water, sinking, and crying out to Jesus.
"Walking side by side, Peter's hand in that of his Master, they stepped into the boat together. But Peter was now subdued and silent. He had no reason to boast over his fellows, for through unbelief and self-exaltation he had very nearly lost his life. When he turned his eyes from Jesus, his footing was lost, and he sank amid the waves. DA 381.6"
"And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased."
While not a direct quote, the EGW passage describes the aftermath of the event in Matthew 14:32, focusing on Peter's subdued state after the experience. The wind ceasing is a detail, but the focus is on Peter's changed demeanor, which aligns thematically.
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
The EGW passage discusses Peter's self-exaltation leading to his near-drowning, which thematically aligns with the proverb about pride preceding a fall. It's not a direct allusion, but the underlying principle is the same.