"Pride and Ambition Reproved Jesus understood the motives which prompted the request, and thus reproved the pride and ambition of the two disciples: “Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” ( verses 42-45 ). SL 57"
"But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:"
EGW directly quotes Mark 10:43 to illustrate Jesus' teaching on humility and service.
"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
EGW directly quotes Matthew 20:28 to illustrate Jesus' teaching on humility and service.
"Upon one occasion Christ sent messengers before Him unto a village of the Samaritans, requesting the people to prepare refreshments for Himself and His disciples. But when the Saviour approached the town, He appeared to be passing on toward Jerusalem. This aroused the enmity of the Samaritans, and instead of sending messengers to invite and even urge Him to tarry with them, they withheld the courtesies which they would have given to a common wayfarer. Jesus never urges His presence upon any, and the Samaritans lost the blessing which would have been granted them had they solicited Him to be their guest. SL 57.4"
"And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem."
EGW retells the story from Luke 9:52-53, providing commentary and interpretation of the events.
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
EGW's statement that 'Jesus never urges His presence upon any' echoes the sentiment of Revelation 3:20, where Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting for an invitation. The connection is thematic, focusing on the idea of Jesus waiting for an invitation rather than forcing His presence.