"The rules in regard to purification were numberless. The period of a lifetime was scarcely sufficient for one to learn them all. The life of those who tried to observe the rabbinical requirements was one long struggle against ceremonial defilement, an endless round of washings and purifications. While the people were occupied with trifling distinctions, and observances which God had not required, their attention was turned away from the great principles of His law. DA 396.1"
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
EGW describes the Pharisees' focus on numerous rules and traditions, which distracts from the core principles of God's law. This aligns with Matthew 15:9, where Jesus condemns worship that prioritizes human commandments over divine teachings.
"Christ and His disciples did not observe these ceremonial washings, and the spies made this neglect the ground of their accusation. They did not, however, make a direct attack on Christ, but came to Him with criticism of His disciples. In the presence of the multitude they said, “Why do Thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.” DA 396.2"
"Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread."
EGW directly references and quotes the accusation made against Jesus' disciples in Matthew 15:2, confirming a clear and direct connection.
"know Him, if we keep His commandments.” John 3:36 ; 1 John 2:3 . DA 396.3"
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
Ellen White directly references John 3:36 in this passage.
"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."
Ellen White directly references 1 John 2:3 in this passage.
Jesus made no attempt to defend Himself or His disciples. He made no reference to the charges against Him, but proceeded to show the spirit that actuated these sticklers for human rites. He gave them an example of what they were repeatedly doing, and had done just before coming in search of Him. “Full well ye reject the commandment of God,” He said, “that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: but ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do aught for his father or his mother.” They set aside the fifth commandment as of no consequence, but were very exact in carrying out the traditions of the elders. They taught the people that the devotion of their property to the temple was a duty more sacred than even the support of their parents; and that, ho…
"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?"
The EGW passage quotes Jesus' words, which are also recorded in Matthew 15:3, making it a direct reference.
"And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition."
The EGW passage quotes Jesus' words, which are also recorded in Mark 7:9, making it a direct reference.
"Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."
The EGW passage directly quotes and discusses the fifth commandment, 'Honor thy father and thy mother,' found in Exodus 20:12.