"This was the only miracle that Jesus wrought while on this journey. It was for the performance of this act that He went to the borders of Tyre and Sidon. He wished to relieve the afflicted woman, and at the same time to leave an example in His work of mercy toward one of a despised people for the benefit of His disciples when He should no longer be with them. He wished to lead them from their Jewish exclusiveness to be interested in working for others besides their own people. DA 402.1"
"But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
The EGW passage interprets Jesus' actions in light of Matthew 15:24, highlighting the theme of extending mercy beyond the Jewish people. While not a direct quote, it builds upon the verse's context.
"His grace. He would show that His love was not to be circumscribed to race or nation. DA 402.2"
"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:"
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Acts 10:34, emphasizing God's impartiality and love for all people, regardless of race or nation. It's a thematic connection rather than a direct allusion.
"When He said, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” He stated the truth, and in His work for the Canaanite woman He was fulfilling His commission. This woman was one of the lost sheep that Israel should have rescued. It was their appointed work, the work which they had neglected, that Christ was doing. DA 402.3"
"But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
The EGW passage directly quotes Matthew 15:24 and provides an interpretation of its meaning in the context of Jesus' ministry to both Jews and Gentiles.
"This act opened the minds of the disciples more fully to the labor that lay before them among the Gentiles. They saw a wide field of usefulness outside of Judea. They saw souls bearing sorrows unknown to those more highly favored. Among those whom they had been taught to despise were souls longing for help from the mighty Healer, hungering for the light of truth, which had been so abundantly given to the Jews. DA 402.4"
"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:"
Both passages address the idea of extending ministry to those previously considered outside the favored group. The EGW passage speaks of the disciples recognizing the needs of Gentiles, while Acts 10:34 highlights God's impartiality. The connection is thematic, focusing on inclusivity and breaking down barriers.
"Afterward, when the Jews turned still more persistently from the disciples, because they declared Jesus to be the Saviour of the world, and when the partition wall between Jew and Gentile was broken down by the death of Christ, this lesson, and similar ones which pointed to the gospel work unrestricted by custom or nationality, had a powerful influence upon the representatives of Christ, in directing their labors. DA 402.5"
"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"
The EGW passage directly references and interprets the breaking down of the partition wall, which is a key element in Ephesians 2:14. The language is very similar, indicating a clear allusion.