"The priests are rehearsing traditions. They extol their religion and their own piety, while they denounce the Greeks and Romans as heathen, and sinners above others. The wise men are not idolaters, and in the sight of God they stand far higher than do these, His professed worshipers; yet they are looked upon by the Jews as heathen. Even among the appointed guardians of the Holy Oracles their eager questionings touch no chord of sympathy. DA 61.1"
"Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."
Both passages highlight the hypocrisy of religious leaders who appear righteous outwardly but are corrupt inwardly. The EGW passage illustrates this hypocrisy in the context of the wise men's visit, while Matthew 23:28 is a direct condemnation of such behavior.
"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
Both passages contrast outward religious observance with true humility and righteousness. The EGW passage highlights the hypocrisy of the priests, while Luke 18:14 emphasizes the importance of humility before God. The connection is present, but not strong.
"The arrival of the magi was quickly noised throughout Jerusalem. Their strange errand created an excitement among the people, which penetrated to the palace of King Herod. The wily Edomite was aroused at the intimation of a possible rival. Countless murders had stained his pathway to the throne. Being of alien blood, he was hated by the people over whom he ruled. His only security was the favor of Rome. But this new Prince had a higher claim. He was born to the kingdom. DA 61.2"
"When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."
The EGW passage directly recounts the events described in Matthew 2:3, including Herod's reaction to the news of the Magi's arrival and the general disturbance in Jerusalem.
"Herod suspected the priests of plotting with the strangers to excite a popular tumult and unseat him from the throne. He concealed his mistrust, however, determined to thwart their schemes by superior cunning. Summoning the chief priests and the scribes, he questioned them as to the teaching of their sacred books in regard to the place of the Messiah's birth. DA 61.3"
"And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born."
The EGW passage closely follows the narrative in Matthew 2:4, describing Herod's summoning of the chief priests and scribes to inquire about the Messiah's birthplace.