"would not have been honored by His presence. The palaces of kings would have been privileged in receiving Him as a guest. But He passed by the homes of wealth, the courts of royalty, and the renowned seats of learning, to make His home in obscure and despised Nazareth. DA 68.1"
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
Both passages highlight Jesus's humble beginnings and rejection by the established order. The EGW passage expands on the idea of Jesus bypassing places of honor, while Luke 2:7 describes his birth in a manger due to lack of room at the inn.
"Wonderful in its significance is the brief record of His early life: “The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.” In the sunlight of His Father's countenance, Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52 . His mind was active and penetrating, with a thoughtfulness and wisdom beyond His years. Yet His character was beautiful in its symmetry. The powers of mind and body developed gradually, in keeping with the laws of childhood. DA 68.2"
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
The EGW passage directly quotes Luke 2:52 and elaborates on its meaning in the context of Jesus's development.
"As a child, Jesus manifested a peculiar loveliness of disposition. His willing hands were ever ready to serve others. He manifested a patience that nothing could disturb, and a truthfulness that would never sacrifice integrity. In principle firm as a rock, His life revealed the grace of unselfish courtesy. DA 68.3"
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
The EGW passage describes Jesus's character as selfless, patient, truthful, and courteous, which aligns with the Philippians passage's call to have the same mind as Christ Jesus, who humbled himself and took on the form of a servant. The passages share a common theme of Christ-like character and humility.
"Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:"
The EGW passage describes Jesus' sinless character and integrity, which aligns with 1 Peter 2:22's statement that He did no sin and had no guile in His mouth. The connection is thematic, focusing on Jesus' perfect character.