"The parents of Jesus were poor, and dependent upon their daily toil. He was familiar with poverty, self- denial, and privation. This experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life there were no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless hours opened the way for corrupting associations. So far as possible, He closed the door to the tempter. Neither gain nor pleasure, applause nor censure, could induce Him to consent to a wrong act. He was wise to discern evil, and strong to resist it. DA 72.1"
"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him."
Both passages discuss Jesus being tempted. The EGW passage speaks of Jesus's poverty and industrious life as safeguards against temptation, while Matthew 4 details the specific temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness.
"Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness. DA 72.2"
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
EGW's statement about Christ living among the wicked and being tempted connects to Hebrews 4:15, which emphasizes Christ's experience of temptation without sin. The connection is that Christ's sinless life despite temptation is relevant to the point EGW is making.
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:11-13 speaks to contentment in all circumstances, including poverty and adversity. This aligns with EGW's point that one doesn't need place, fortune, or prosperity to live a blameless life, and that adversity can develop purity and firmness.
"Jesus lived in a peasant's home, and faithfully and cheerfully acted His part in bearing the burdens of the household. He had been the Commander of heaven, and angels had delighted to fulfill His word; now He was a willing servant, a loving, obedient son. He learned a trade, and with His own hands worked in the carpenter's shop with Joseph. In the simple garb of a common laborer He walked the streets of the little town, going to and returning from His humble work. He did not employ His divine power to lessen His burdens or to lighten His toil. DA 72.3"
"And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
Both passages discuss Jesus's humble life and obedience. Luke 2:51-52 mentions Jesus being subject to his parents and increasing in wisdom, while the EGW passage elaborates on this by describing his work as a carpenter and his willingness to serve. The EGW passage amplifies the biblical account.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
EGW describes Jesus' humble life and willingness to work, which echoes the meekness and lowliness of heart mentioned in Matthew 11:29. While not a direct quote, the themes of humility and service are present in both passages.
"hands to be useful and trains the young to bear their share of life's burdens gives physical strength, and develops every faculty. All should find something to do that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others. God appointed work as a blessing, and only the diligent worker finds the true glory and joy of life. The approval of God rests with loving assurance upon children and youth who cheerfully take their part in the duties of the household, sharing the burdens of father and mother. Such children will go out from the home to be useful members of society. DA 72.4"
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of training children to be diligent and helpful, which directly reflects the principle in Proverbs 22:6 about training a child in the way they should go. The EGW passage expands on the practical application of this principle within the context of family life and work ethic.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."
Both passages address the roles and responsibilities of children within the family. Ephesians 6:1-3 focuses on obedience and honoring parents, while the EGW passage emphasizes children sharing burdens and being helpful. While not a direct quote or explicit allusion, the thematic overlap is clear, making it a valid thematic parallel.