"The mothers were comforted. They returned to their homes strengthened and blessed by the words of Christ. They were encouraged to take up their burden with new cheerfulness, and to work hopefully for their children. The mothers of today are to receive His words with the same faith. Christ is as verily a personal Saviour today as when He lived a man among men. He is as verily the helper of mothers today as when He gathered the little ones to His arms in Judea. The children of our hearths are as much the purchase of His blood as were the children of long ago. DA 512.1"
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
This passage builds upon the Matthew 19:14 narrative, drawing a parallel between the mothers who sought Jesus' blessing then and mothers today. It's not a direct quote, but a thematic extension.
"Jesus knows the burden of every mother's heart. He who had a mother that struggled with poverty and privation sympathizes with every mother in her labors. He who made a long journey in order to relieve the anxious heart of a Canaanite woman will do as much for the mothers of today. He who gave back to the widow of Nain her only son, and who in His agony upon the cross remembered His own mother, is touched today by the mother's sorrow. In every grief and every need He will give comfort and help. DA 512.2"
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle of Jesus' empathy and understanding of human suffering, as described in Hebrews 4:15. It applies this principle specifically to mothers and their burdens.
"Let mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities. They will find grace sufficient to aid them in the management of their children. The gates are open for every mother who would lay her burdens at the Saviour's feet. He who said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not,” still invites the mothers to lead up their little ones to be blessed by Him. Even the babe in its mother's arms may dwell as under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we will live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments. DA 512.3"
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
The EGW passage directly quotes Matthew 19:14 and builds upon the theme of mothers bringing their children to Jesus, making it a clear and intentional allusion.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
The EGW passage encourages mothers to come to Jesus with their burdens, drawing a parallel to the invitation in Hebrews 4:16 to approach the throne of grace for help. Both passages emphasize access to divine assistance.
"In the children who were brought in contact with Him, Jesus saw the men and women who should be heirs of His grace and subjects of His kingdom, and some of whom would become martyrs for His sake. He knew that these children would listen to Him and accept Him as their Redeemer far more readily than would grown- up people, many of whom were the worldly-wise and hardhearted. In His teaching He came down to their level. He, the Majesty of heaven, did not disdain to answer their questions, and simplify His important lessons to meet their childish understanding. He planted in their minds the seeds of truth, which in after years would spring up, and bear fruit unto eternal life. DA 512.4"
"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
The EGW passage discusses Jesus's interaction with children and their potential to become heirs of grace, which aligns with the concept in Matthew 18:3 that one must become like a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven. Both passages highlight the importance of childlike qualities in spiritual life.
"But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
The EGW passage describes Jesus welcoming children and recognizing their potential, which echoes the sentiment in Mark 10:14 where Jesus rebukes those who try to prevent children from coming to Him. Both passages emphasize Jesus's positive view of children.