"At the table of the publicans He sat as an honored guest, by His sympathy and social kindliness showing that He recognized the dignity of humanity; and men longed to become worthy of His confidence. Upon their thirsty hearts His words fell with blessed, life-giving power. New impulses were awakened, and to these outcasts of society there opened the possibility of a new life. GW 47.2"
"And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples."
Both passages describe Jesus associating with publicans and sinners. The EGW passage elaborates on the impact of His interactions, while Matthew 9:10 provides a specific instance. The connection is a clear thematic parallel.
"And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zaccheus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house."
The EGW passage describes Jesus' interaction with publicans, highlighting his acceptance and its positive impact. Luke 19:5 describes Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus, a publican. While the EGW passage doesn't explicitly mention Zacchaeus, it reflects the same principle of Jesus' interaction with publicans and the transformative effect of his acceptance. The connection is more than just thematic; it's a specific example of the principle EGW describes.
"to Him by the tie of human sympathy, His divine grace brought to them the salvation which the Jews rejected. — The Ministry of Healing, 17-26 . GW 47.3"
"Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles."
Both passages discuss the rejection of salvation by the Jews and the subsequent turning to other groups. EGW's passage summarizes this theme, while Acts 13:46 provides a specific example.