To the heart of Christ it was a bitter task to press His way against the fears, disappointment, and unbelief of His beloved disciples. It was hard to lead them forward to the anguish and despair that awaited them at Jerusalem. And Satan was at hand to press his temptations upon the Son of man. Why should He now go to Jerusalem, to certain death? All around Him were souls hungering for the bread of life. On every hand were suffering ones waiting for His word of healing. The work to be wrought by the gospel of His grace was but just begun. And He was full of the vigor of manhood's prime. Why not go forward to the vast fields of the world with the words of His grace, the touch of His healing power? Why not take to Himself the joy of giving light and gladness to those darkened and sorrowing millions? Why leave the harvest gathering to His disciples, so weak in faith, so dull of understanding, so slow to act? Why face death now, and leave the work in its infancy? The foe who in the wilderne…
"Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me."
The EGW passage describes Christ's internal struggle and sorrow as he approaches Jerusalem, which echoes the sorrow expressed in Matthew 26:38. While not a direct quote, the theme of sorrow and impending doom is present in both.
"the visit to the temple in His boyhood, He had said to Mary, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?” Luke 2:49 . At Cana, when Mary desired Him to reveal His miraculous power, His answer was, “Mine hour is not yet come.” John 2:4 . With the same words He replied to His brothers when they urged Him to go to the feast. But in God's great plan the hour had been appointed for the offering of Himself for the sins of men, and that hour was soon to strike. He would not fail nor falter. His steps are turned toward Jerusalem, where His foes have long plotted to take His life; now He will lay it down. He set His face steadfastly to go to persecution, denial, rejection, condemnation, and death. DA 486.2"
"And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?"
Ellen White directly references Luke 2:49 in this passage.
"Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."
Ellen White directly references John 2:4 in this passage.
"And He “sent messengers before His face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for Him.” But the people refused to receive Him, because He was on His way to Jerusalem. This they interpreted as meaning that Christ showed a preference for the Jews, whom they hated with intense bitterness. Had He come to restore the temple and worship upon Mount Gerizim, they would gladly have received Him; but He was going to Jerusalem, and they would show Him no hospitality. Little did they realize that they were turning from their doors the best gift of heaven. Jesus invited men to receive Him, He asked favors at their hands, that He might come near to them, to bestow the richest blessings. For every favor manifested toward Him, He requited a more precious grace. But all was lost to the Samaritans because of their prejudice and bigotry. DA 486.3"
"And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him."
The EGW passage directly quotes Luke 9:52.