"The joy set before Christ, the joy that sustained Him through sacrifice and suffering, was the joy of seeing sinners saved. This should be the joy of every follower of His, the spur to his ambition. Those who realize, even in a limited degree, what redemption means to them and to their fellow men, will comprehend in some measure the vast needs of humanity. Their hearts will be moved to compassion as they see the moral and spiritual destitution of thousands who are under the shadow of a terrible doom, in comparison with which physical suffering fades into nothingness. PK 172.1"
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the concept of the 'joy set before Christ' mentioned in Hebrews 12:2. The connection is clear and intentional.
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Both passages share the theme of Jesus's mission to save the lost. EGW connects Christ's joy to the salvation of sinners, which aligns with Luke 19:10's statement of Jesus's purpose.
"answer this call requires self-sacrifice. While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, souls are dying, without hope and without God. For the sake of worldly advantage, for the sake of acquiring scientific knowledge, men are willing to venture into pestilential regions and to endure hardship and privation. Where are those who are willing to do as much for the sake of telling others of the Saviour? PK 172.2"
"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
Both passages highlight the need for compassion and action in response to the spiritual needs of others. EGW emphasizes the urgency of sharing the gospel, while Matthew 9:36 describes Jesus's compassion for the multitudes.