Christ leaves us in no doubt as to the traits of character that He will always recognize and bless. From the ambitious favorites of the world, He turns to those whom they disown, pronouncing all blessed who receive His light and life. To the poor in spirit, the meek, the lowly, the sorrowful, the despised, the persecuted, He opens His arms of refuge, saying, “Come unto Me, ... and I will give you rest.” MB vii.4 Christ can look upon the misery of the world without a shade of sorrow for having created man. In the human heart He sees more than sin, more than misery. In His infinite wisdom and love He sees man's possibilities, the height to which he may attain. He knows that, even though human beings have abused their mercies and destroyed their God-given dignity, yet the Creator is to be glorified in their redemption. MB vii.5 Throughout all time the words that Christ spoke from the mount of Beatitudes will retain their power. Every sentence is a jewel from the treasure house of truth. T…
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
The EGW passage directly quotes Matthew 11:28.
"Let us in imagination go back to that scene, and, as we sit with the disciples on the mountainside, enter into the thoughts and feelings that filled their hearts. Understanding what the words of Jesus meant to those who heard them, we may discern in them a new vividness and beauty, and may also gather for ourselves their deeper lessons. MB 1.2"
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:"
Both passages refer to Jesus teaching his disciples on a mountainside. EGW elaborates on the scene described in Matthew, inviting the reader to imagine being present. This is more than just a possible connection; it's a deliberate expansion on the biblical narrative.
"When the Saviour began His ministry, the popular conception of the Messiah and His work was such as wholly unfitted the people to receive Him. The spirit of true devotion had been lost in tradition and ceremonialism, and the prophecies were interpreted at the dictate of proud, world-loving hearts. The Jews looked for the coming One, not as a Saviour from sin, but as a great prince who should bring all nations under the supremacy of the Lion of the tribe of Judah. In vain had John the Baptist, with the heart-searching power of the ancient prophets, called them to repentance. In vain had he, beside the Jordan, pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. God was seeking to direct their minds to Isaiah's prophecy of the suffering Saviour, but they would not hear. MB 1.3"
"He came unto his own, and his own received him not."
Both passages discuss the rejection of Jesus by his own people. The EGW passage elaborates on the reasons for this rejection, while John 1:11 succinctly states the fact. The connection is valid and relevant.
"And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
The EGW passage mentions John the Baptist calling people to repentance, which is directly related to Matthew 3:2. The EGW passage provides context for John's ministry and its failure to change the people's hearts, while Matthew 3:2 is a direct quote of his message.