"It was just after the return from their first missionary tour that Jesus bade His disciples, Come apart, and rest awhile. The disciples had returned, filled with the joy of their success as heralds of the gospel, when the tidings reached them of the death of John the Baptist at the hand of Herod. It was a bitter sorrow and disappointment. Jesus knew that in leaving the Baptist to die in prison He had severely tested the disciples’ faith. With pitying tenderness He looked upon their sorrowful, tear-stained faces. Tears were in His own eyes and voice as He said, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile.” Mark 6:31 . MH 56.1"
"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."
The EGW passage directly quotes Mark 6:31 and provides context for the event.
"Near Bethsaida, at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee, was a lonely region, beautiful with the fresh green of spring, that offered a welcome retreat to Jesus and His disciples. For this place they set out, going in their boat across the lake. Here they could rest, apart from the confusion of the multitude. Here the disciples could listen to the words of Christ, undisturbed by the retorts and accusations of the Pharisees. Here they hoped to enjoy a short season of fellowship in the society of their Lord. MH 56.2"
"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."
Both passages describe Jesus seeking a quiet place with his disciples to rest and escape the crowds. The EGW passage provides more detail about the location and purpose, but the core theme of seeking solitude for rest and fellowship is present in both.
"Only a short time did Jesus have alone with His beloved ones, but how precious to them were those few moments. They talked together regarding the work of the gospel and the possibility of making their labor more effective in reaching the people. As Jesus opened to them the treasures of truth, they were vitalized by divine power and inspired with hope and courage. MH 56.3"
"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."
Both passages describe Jesus spending time with his disciples, discussing their work and receiving encouragement. The EGW passage elaborates on the content of their discussions and the resulting inspiration, while Mark 6:31 focuses on the need for rest and retreat. There is a clear parallel in the theme of Jesus instructing and encouraging his disciples.
"And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida."
Both passages describe Jesus taking his disciples aside to a private place. The EGW passage elaborates on the purpose of this time as instruction and encouragement, while Luke 9:10 simply states that the apostles reported back to Jesus. The connection lies in the shared setting and the implied purpose of instruction and debriefing.