"The rabbis knew that Jesus had not been instructed in their schools; yet His understanding of the prophecies far exceeded theirs. In this thoughtful Galilean boy they discerned great promise. They desired to gain Him as a student, that He might become a teacher in Israel. They wanted to have charge of His education, feeling that a mind so original must be brought under their molding. DA 80.1"
"And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?"
Both passages highlight the surprise and wonder at Jesus's knowledge despite his lack of formal education. John 7:15 focuses on the marvel at his 'letters' (learning), while the EGW passage emphasizes the rabbis' awareness that Jesus hadn't been instructed in their schools. The underlying theme of unexpected wisdom is present in both.
"The words of Jesus had moved their hearts as they had never before been moved by words from human lips. God was seeking to give light to those leaders in Israel, and He used the only means by which they could be reached. In their pride they would have scorned to admit that they could receive instruction from anyone. If Jesus had appeared to be trying to teach them, they would have disdained to listen. But they flattered themselves that they were teaching Him, or at least testing His knowledge of the Scriptures. The youthful modesty and grace of Jesus disarmed their prejudices. Unconsciously their minds were opened to the word of God, and the Holy Spirit spoke to their hearts. DA 80.2"
"The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."
Both passages deal with leaders in Israel interacting with Jesus, and the EGW passage elaborates on the dynamic of pride and openness to instruction, which is subtly present in John 3:2 where Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, acknowledging his divine teaching ability.
"For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
Both passages highlight the unique authority and impact of Jesus' teaching compared to the religious leaders of the time. The EGW passage explains how Jesus' approach disarmed prejudices, while Matthew 7:29 directly contrasts His teaching with that of the scribes.
"misapprehended the Scriptures they claimed to teach. From one to another passed the inquiry, How hath this youth knowledge, having never learned? The light was shining in darkness; but “the darkness apprehended it not.” John 1:5 , R. V. DA 80.3"
"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
Ellen White directly references John 1:5 in this passage.
Meanwhile Joseph and Mary were in great perplexity and distress. In the departure from Jerusalem they had lost sight of Jesus, and they knew not that He had tarried behind. The country was then densely populated, and the caravans from Galilee were very large. There was much confusion as they left the city. On the way the pleasure of traveling with friends and acquaintances absorbed their attention, and they did not notice His absence till night came on. Then as they halted for rest, they missed the helpful hand of their child. Supposing Him to be with their company, they had felt no anxiety. Young as He was, they had trusted Him implicitly, expecting that when needed, He would be ready to assist them, anticipating their wants as He had always done. But now their fears were roused. They searched for Him throughout their company, but in vain. Shuddering they remembered how Herod had tried to destroy Him in His infancy. Dark forebodings filled their hearts. They bitterly reproached themse…
"But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance."
EGW's passage is a detailed narrative expansion of the event described in Luke 2:44, where Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was with their company during their return journey from Jerusalem.