"As you win their confidence in you as followers of Christ, it will be easy to teach them of the great love wherewith He has loved us. As you try to make plain the truths of salvation, and point the children to Christ as a personal Saviour, angels will be by your side. The Lord will give to fathers and mothers grace to interest their little ones in the precious story of the Babe of Bethlehem, who is indeed the hope of the world. DA 517.1"
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Both passages highlight God's love and the importance of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 is the quintessential verse on God's love expressed through Jesus. EGW emphasizes teaching children about God's great love and pointing them to Christ as a personal Savior, which strongly parallels the theme of John 3:16.
"When Jesus told the disciples not to forbid the children to come to Him, He was speaking to His followers in all ages,—to officers of the church, to ministers, helpers, and all Christians. Jesus is drawing the children, and He bids us, Suffer them to come; as if He would say, They will come if you do not hinder them. DA 517.2"
"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 and interprets Matthew 19:14, making it an explicit allusion. The context and application of the verse are also discussed, solidifying the connection.
"The Christian worker may be Christ's agent in drawing these children to the Saviour. By wisdom and tact he may bind them to his heart, he may give them courage and hope, and through the grace of Christ may see them transformed in character, so that of them it may be said, “Of such is the kingdom of God.” DA 517.6"
"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 directly quotes and applies the phrase "of such is the kingdom of God" from Mark 10:14 in the context of children being drawn to Christ.