That prayer of Christ for His enemies embraced the world. It took in every sinner that had lived or should live, from the beginning of the world to the end of time. Upon all rests the guilt of crucifying the Son of God. To all, forgiveness is freely offered. “Whosoever will” may have peace with God, and inherit eternal life. DA 745.1 As soon as Jesus was nailed to the cross, it was lifted by strong men, and with great violence thrust into the place prepared for it. This caused the most intense agony to the Son of God. Pilate then wrote an inscription in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, and placed it upon the cross, above the head of Jesus. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.” This inscription irritated the Jews. In Pilate's court they had cried, “Crucify Him.” “We have no king but Caesar.” John 19:15 . They had declared that whoever should acknowledge any other king was a traitor. Pilate wrote out the sentiment they had expressed. No offense was mentioned, except that Jesus was …
"But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cesar."
Ellen White directly references John 19:15 in this passage.
"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots."
EGW directly references Christ's prayer for forgiveness while being crucified, which is the core of Luke 23:34. The context and sentiment align strongly.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
EGW's statement that 'To all, forgiveness is freely offered. “Whosoever will” may have peace with God, and inherit eternal life' echoes the sentiment of John 3:16, which speaks of God's love for the world and the offer of eternal life to 'whosoever believeth'. The connection is thematic, focusing on universal salvation.
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
The phrase 'Whosoever will' in EGW's writing directly parallels the same phrase in Revelation 22:17, which invites anyone who is thirsty to take the water of life freely. Both passages emphasize the open invitation to salvation.
"The priests saw what they had done, and asked Pilate to change the inscription. They said, “Write not, The King of the Jews; but that He said, I am King of the Jews.” But Pilate was angry with himself because of his former weakness, and he thoroughly despised the jealous and artful priests and rulers. He replied coldly, “What I have written I have written.” DA 745.3"
"Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews."
The EGW passage directly quotes and paraphrases John 19:21.
"Pilate answered, What I have written I have written."
EGW directly quotes Pilate's statement, 'What I have written I have written,' which is found verbatim in John 19:22. This is a clear and direct allusion.
"A higher power than Pilate or the Jews had directed the placing of that inscription above the head of Jesus. In the providence of God it was to awaken thought, and investigation of the Scriptures. The place where Christ was crucified was near to the city. Thousands of people from all lands were then at Jerusalem, and the inscription declaring Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah would come to their notice. It was a living truth, transcribed by a hand that God had guided. DA 745.4"
"This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin."
Both passages refer to the location of Jesus' crucifixion being near the city and the inscription being read by many. EGW uses this to emphasize the widespread notice of the inscription.
"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven."
Both passages discuss the presence of people from various nations in Jerusalem. The EGW passage suggests this was providential for spreading the message of the inscription, while Acts 2:5 describes the fulfillment of prophecy at Pentecost. The connection is thematic, relating to the gathering of people from different nations in Jerusalem at a significant time.