"Thus Wycliffe presented to the pope and his cardinals the meekness and humility of Christ, exhibiting not only to themselves but to all Christendom the contrast between them and the Master whose representatives they professed to be. GC 92.2"
"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."
The EGW passage highlights Wycliffe presenting the meekness and humility of Christ in contrast to the Pope and cardinals. This directly relates to Matthew 11:29, where Jesus describes himself as meek and lowly in heart. The connection is a clear thematic parallel.
"Wycliffe fully expected that his life would be the price of his fidelity. The king, the pope, and the bishops were united to accomplish his ruin, and it seemed certain that a few months at most would bring him to the stake. But his courage was unshaken. “Why do you talk of seeking the crown of martyrdom afar?” he said. “Preach the gospel of Christ to haughty prelates, and martyrdom will not fail you. What! I should live and be silent? ... Never! Let the blow fall, I await its coming.”—D'Aubigne, b. 17, ch. 8. GC 92.3"
"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
The EGW passage describes Wycliffe's expectation of martyrdom and his unwavering courage in the face of persecution. This aligns with the theme of enduring hatred for Christ's name, as expressed in Matthew 10:22. The connection is a thematic parallel, highlighting the cost of discipleship.
"But God's providence still shielded His servant. The man who for a whole lifetime had stood boldly in defense of the truth, in daily peril of his life, was not to fall a victim of the hatred of its foes. Wycliffe had never sought to shield himself, but the Lord had been his protector; and now, when his enemies felt sure of their prey, God's hand removed him beyond their reach. In his church at Lutterworth, as he was about to dispense the communion, he fell, stricken with palsy, and in a short time yielded up his life. GC 92.4"
"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
The EGW passage describes God's protection of Wycliffe throughout his life, shielding him from his enemies until his natural death. This resonates with the theme of divine protection and refuge found in Psalm 91:4, where God is described as a shield and buckler. The connection is a thematic parallel, emphasizing God's care for his faithful servants.