"When the disciples entered the supper room, their hearts were full of resentful feelings. Judas pressed next to Christ on the left side; John was on the right. If there was a highest place, Judas was determined to have it, and that place was thought to be next to Christ. And Judas was a traitor. DA 644.1"
"And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest."
EGW's description of the disciples vying for position at the Last Supper directly reflects the strife mentioned in Luke 22:24. The passage provides a narrative context for the verse.
"Another cause of dissension had arisen. At a feast it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this occasion preparation had been made for the service. The pitcher, the basin, and the towel were there, in readiness for the feet washing; but no servant was present, and it was the disciples’ part to perform it. But each of the disciples, yielding to wounded pride, determined not to act the part of a servant. All manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was anything for them to do. By their silence they refused to humble themselves. DA 644.2"
"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of service and humility that Jesus embodies in Matthew 20:28. The disciples' refusal to wash feet contrasts with Jesus' example of selfless service.
"How was Christ to bring these poor souls where Satan would not gain over them a decided victory? How could He show that a mere profession of discipleship did not make them disciples, or insure them a place in His kingdom? How could He show that it is loving service, true humility, which constitutes real greatness? How was He to kindle love in their hearts, and enable them to comprehend what He longed to tell them? DA 644.3"
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
EGW's passage directly addresses the need for love and humility among the disciples, which is the essence of John 13:34. The passage explores how Christ sought to instill this love in their hearts.
"The disciples made no move toward serving one another. Jesus waited for a time to see what they would do. Then He, the divine Teacher, rose from the table. Laying aside the outer garment that would have impeded His movements, He took a towel, and girded Himself. With surprised interest the disciples looked on, and in silence waited to see what was to follow. “After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.” This action opened the eyes of the disciples. Bitter shame and humiliation filled their hearts. They understood the unspoken rebuke, and saw themselves in altogether a new light. DA 644.4"
"After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded."
EGW directly quotes John 13:5, making this a clear and explicit allusion.
"So Christ expressed His love for His disciples. Their selfish spirit filled Him with sorrow, but He entered into no controversy with them regarding their difficulty. Instead He gave them an example they would never forget. His love for them was not easily disturbed or quenched. He knew that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came from God, and went to God. He had a full consciousness of His divinity; but He had laid aside His royal crown and kingly robes, and had taken the form of a servant. One of the last acts of His life on earth was to gird Himself as a servant, and perform a servant's part. DA 644.5"
"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:"
Both passages discuss Christ taking on the form of a servant. While EGW doesn't directly quote Philippians 2:7, the concept is central to her argument and echoes the verse's sentiment.