"The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words which He Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mother's knee. As He advanced from childhood to youth, He did not seek the schools of the rabbis. He needed not the education to be obtained from such sources; for God was His instructor. DA 70.1"
"And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers."
The EGW passage contrasts Jesus's education with formal rabbinical schools, emphasizing his mother's teaching and divine instruction. Luke 2:46-47, while depicting Jesus in the temple, highlights his innate understanding, which supports the idea that his primary education was not from traditional sources.
"And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?"
Both passages address Jesus's knowledge and education, with the EGW passage elaborating on the idea that Jesus did not receive traditional schooling. John 7:15 highlights the surprise that Jesus knew scripture without formal training, which aligns with EGW's statement.
"possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life. DA 70.2"
"And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it."
Both passages discuss Jesus' use of parables in teaching. The EGW passage elaborates on how Jesus drew inspiration from nature for his parables, while Mark 4:33 simply states that he used many parables. The EGW passage amplifies the concept presented in Mark.
"Thus to Jesus the significance of the word and the works of God was unfolded, as He was trying to understand the reason of things. Heavenly beings were His attendants, and the culture of holy thoughts and communings was His. From the first dawning of intelligence He was constantly growing in spiritual grace and knowledge of truth. DA 70.3"
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
Both passages describe Jesus' growth in wisdom and favor. The EGW passage expands on the spiritual and intellectual aspects of this growth, aligning with the general idea presented in Luke 2:52.
"Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father through His word, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters will be elevated and refined. We shall become more like our Saviour. And as we behold the beautiful and grand in nature, our affections go out after God. While the spirit is awed, the soul is invigorated by coming in contact with the Infinite through His works. Communion with God through prayer develops the mental and moral faculties, and the spiritual powers strengthen as we cultivate thoughts upon spiritual things. DA 70.4"
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
Both passages discuss becoming partakers of the divine nature/becoming more like Christ through interaction with God and His word. The EGW passage elaborates on the means by which this is achieved.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
Both passages connect nature with God. The EGW passage speaks of beholding the beautiful and grand in nature and having affections go out after God, while the Psalm speaks of the heavens declaring the glory of God.