"In reply to this question Jesus told him that obedience to the commandments of God was necessary if he would obtain eternal life; and He quoted several of the commandments which show man's duty to his fellow men. The ruler's answer was positive: “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” DA 518.5 Christ looked into the face of the young man, as if reading his life and searching his character. He loved him, and He hungered to give him that peace and grace and joy which would materially change his character. “One thing thou lackest,” He said; “go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” DA 519.1"
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
The EGW passage directly references the dialogue between Jesus and the rich young ruler, including the mention of keeping the commandments and the question "what lack I yet?", which are key elements of the narrative in Matthew 19:17.
"Christ was drawn to this young man. He knew him to be sincere in his assertion, “All these things have I kept from my youth.” The Redeemer longed to create in him that discernment which would enable him to see the necessity of heart devotion and Christian goodness. He longed to see in him a humble and contrite heart, conscious of the supreme love to be given to God, and hiding its lack in the perfection of Christ. DA 519.2"
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
The EGW passage discusses the need for a humble and contrite heart, which aligns with the theme of Psalms 51:17 regarding a broken spirit and a contrite heart being acceptable to God. While not a direct quote, the concept is clearly echoed.
"“One thing thou lackest,” Jesus said. “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.” Christ read the ruler's heart. Only one thing he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the love of God in the soul. This lack, unless supplied, would prove fatal to him; his whole nature would become corrupted. By indulgence, selfishness would strengthen. That he might receive the love of God, his supreme love of self must be surrendered. DA 519.4"
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me."
EGW directly quotes and expands upon Mark 10:21, providing commentary and interpretation of the verse's meaning in the context of the rich young ruler.
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"
Both passages discuss the concept of heavenly treasure. While EGW doesn't directly quote Matthew 6:20, the idea of obtaining treasure in heaven by giving to the poor connects thematically.
"Christ gave this man a test. He called upon him to choose between the heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. The heavenly treasure was assured him if he would follow Christ. But self must yield; his will must be given into Christ's control. The very holiness of God was offered to the young ruler. He had the privilege of becoming a son of God, and a coheir with Christ to the heavenly treasure. But he must take up the cross, and follow the Saviour in the path of self-denial. DA 519.5"
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
EGW alludes to Matthew 16:24 by mentioning taking up the cross and following Christ, which is a central theme in both passages.
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."
Both passages discuss the concept of being heirs with Christ. EGW's mention of becoming a son of God and a coheir with Christ aligns with the theme of Romans 8:17.