The hypocrisy of the Pharisees was the product of self-seeking. The glorification of themselves was the object of their lives. It was this that led them to pervert and misapply the Scriptures, and blinded them to the purpose of Christ's mission. This subtle evil even the disciples of Christ were in danger of cherishing. Those who classed themselves with the followers of Jesus, but who had not left all in order to become His disciples, were influenced in a great degree by the reasoning of the Pharisees. They were often vacillating between faith and unbelief, and they did not discern the treasures of wisdom hidden in Christ. Even the disciples, though outwardly they had left all for Jesus’ sake, had not in heart ceased to seek great things for themselves. It was this spirit that prompted the strife as to who should be greatest. It was this that came between them and Christ, making them so little in sympathy with His mission of self-sacrifice, so slow to comprehend the mystery of redempti…
"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,"
Both passages address the hypocrisy of religious leaders and their focus on outward appearances. Matthew 23:5 describes the Pharisees' actions 'to be seen of men,' while the EGW passage discusses their self-seeking and glorification of themselves. The connection is a clear thematic parallel.
"For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."
Both passages highlight the problem of seeking human praise over divine approval. John 12:43 explicitly states that some 'loved the praise of men more than the praise of God,' while the EGW passage describes the Pharisees' self-seeking and glorification of themselves. This is a strong thematic parallel.
"Among the followers of our Lord today, as of old, how widespread is this subtle, deceptive sin! How often our service to Christ, our communion with one another, is marred by the secret desire to exalt self! How ready the thought of self-gratulation, and the longing for human approval! It is the love of self, the desire for an easier way than God has appointed that leads to the substitution of human theories and traditions for the divine precepts. To His own disciples the warning words of Christ are spoken, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.” DA 409.2"
"Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."
EGW directly quotes Matthew 16:6.
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Both passages address the issue of pride and vainglory, advocating for humility and considering others as more important than oneself. The EGW passage expands on the principle found in Philippians 2:3.
"The religion of Christ is sincerity itself. Zeal for God's glory is the motive implanted by the Holy Spirit; and only the effectual working of the Spirit can implant this motive. Only the power of God can banish self-seeking and hypocrisy. This change is the sign of His working. When the faith we accept destroys selfishness and pretense, when it leads us to seek God's glory and not our own, we may know that it is of the right order. “Father, glorify Thy name” ( John 12:28 ), was the keynote of Christ's life, and if we follow Him, this will be the keynote of our life. He commands us to “walk, even as He walked;” and “hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 2:6, 3 . DA 409.3"
"Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."
EGW directly quotes John 12:28 and uses it as a central theme in her discussion.
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Both passages emphasize the idea of self being replaced by Christ, leading to a life dedicated to God's glory. While not a direct quote, the thematic resonance is strong.