"Christ came to demonstrate the value of the divine principles by revealing their power for the regeneration of humanity. He came to teach how these principles are to be developed and applied. Ed 77.1"
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Both passages discuss the necessity of a transformation or regeneration to understand and enter the kingdom of God. EGW frames it as understanding and applying divine principles, while John 3:3 speaks of being 'born again.'
With the people of that age the value of all things was determined by outward show. As religion had declined in power, it had increased in pomp. The educators of the time sought to command respect by display and ostentation. To all this the life of Jesus presented a marked contrast. His life demonstrated the worthlessness of those things that men regarded as life's great essentials. Born amidst surroundings the rudest, sharing a peasant's home, a peasant's fare, a craftsman's occupation, living a life of obscurity, identifying Himself with the world's unknown toilers,—amidst these conditions and surroundings,—Jesus followed the divine plan of education. The schools of His time, with their magnifying of things small and their belittling of things great, He did not seek. His education was gained directly from the Heaven-appointed sources; from useful work, from the study of the Scriptures and of nature, and from the experiences of life—God's lesson books, full of instruction to all who b…
"For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him."
Both passages describe Jesus' humble origins and lack of outward attractiveness or worldly status. Isaiah 53:2 focuses on his physical appearance, while EGW emphasizes his simple upbringing and identification with common laborers. Both highlight the contrast between his true value and worldly standards.
"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."
Both passages highlight Jesus' humility and meekness as a source of learning and rest. EGW contrasts Jesus' life with the ostentation of the time, while Matthew 11:29 directly states Jesus' meekness and lowliness of heart.