"In this miracle, Christ received from the Father; He imparted to the disciples, the disciples to the people, and the people to one another. So all who are united to Christ will receive from Him the bread of life, and impart it to others. His disciples are the appointed means of communication between Christ and the people. MH 49.1"
"And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would."
The EGW passage draws a clear parallel between the distribution of bread in the miracle and the way Christ's blessings are passed on through disciples to others. This is a strong thematic connection based on the narrative in John 6:11.
"When the disciples heard the Saviour's direction, “Give ye them to eat,” all the difficulties arose in their minds. They questioned, “Shall we go into the villages to buy food?” But what said Christ? “Give ye them to eat.” The disciples brought to Jesus all they had; but He did not invite them to eat. He bade them serve the people. The food multiplied in His hands, and the hands of the disciples, reaching out to Christ, were never unfilled. The little store was sufficient for all. When the multitude had been fed, the disciples ate with Jesus of the precious, heaven-supplied food. MH 49.2"
"But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat."
EGW directly quotes and elaborates on the biblical passage, placing it in the context of practical ministry.
"As we see the necessities of the poor, the ignorant, the afflicted, how often our hearts sink. We question, “What avail our feeble strength and slender resources to supply this terrible necessity? Shall we not wait for someone of greater ability to direct the work, or for some organization to undertake it?” Christ says, “Give ye them to eat.” Use the means, the time, the ability, you have. Bring your barley loaves to Jesus. MH 49.3"
"But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat."
EGW directly quotes and applies the biblical passage to the context of helping those in need, drawing a parallel between the disciples' situation and our own.