"John, the son of Zebedee, had been one of the first two disciples who had followed Jesus. He and his brother James had been among the first group who had left all for His service. Gladly they had forsaken home and friends that they might be with Him; they had walked and talked with Him; they had been with Him in the privacy of the home, and in the public assemblies. He had quieted their fears, delivered them from danger, relieved their sufferings, comforted their grief, and with patience and tenderness had taught them, till their hearts seemed linked with His, and in the ardor of their love they longed to be nearest to Him in His kingdom. At every possible opportunity, John took his place next the Saviour, and James longed to be honored with as close connection with Him. DA 548.1"
"And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him."
The EGW passage describes John and James leaving everything to follow Jesus, which is directly related to Matthew 4:22.
"Their mother was a follower of Christ, and had ministered to Him freely of her substance. With a mother's love and ambition for her sons, she coveted for them the most honored place in the new kingdom. For this she encouraged them to make request. DA 548.2"
"Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him."
The EGW passage directly refers to the mother of Zebedee's children making a request of Jesus, as described in Matthew 20:20.
"And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance."
Both passages discuss women who ministered to Jesus of their substance. The EGW passage specifically mentions the mother of James and John, while Luke 8:3 mentions Joanna, Susanna, and others. The connection is valid because it provides context for the mother's actions.
"And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom."
The EGW passage directly quotes Jesus' question from Matthew 20:21, making it a clear and direct allusion.
"The mother answered, “Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on the left, in Thy kingdom.” DA 548.5"
"And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom."
The EGW passage directly quotes the mother's request from Matthew 20:21, making it a clear and direct allusion.
"Jesus bears tenderly with them, not rebuking their selfishness in seeking preference above their brethren. He reads their hearts, He knows the depth of their attachment to Him. Their love is not a mere human affection; though defiled by the earthliness of its human channel, it is an outflowing from the fountain of His own redeeming love. He will not rebuke, but deepen and purify. He said, “Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They recall His mysterious words, pointing to trial and suffering, yet answer confidently, “We are able.” They would count it highest honor to prove their loyalty by sharing all that is to befall their Lord. DA 548.6"
"But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able."
The EGW passage directly quotes and elaborates on Matthew 20:22. The dialogue is central to both passages.
"“Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with,” He said; before Him a cross instead of a throne, two malefactors His companions at His right hand and His left. John and James were to share with their Master in suffering; the one, first of the brethren to perish with the sword; the other, longest of all to endure toil, and reproach, and persecution. DA 548.7"
"And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father."
The EGW passage directly quotes and expands upon Matthew 20:23. The reference to the cup and baptism is central to both passages.