Lesson 54

Jesus is the Head of the Christian congregation. (Ephesians 5:23)

Today, from his position in heaven, Jesus directs his followers on earth by means of a “faithful and discreet slave.”

Read Matthew 24.45: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?

Having received an appointment from Jesus himself, the “slave” would have a certain amount of authority but would remain a slave of Christ and serve Christ’s brothers. Who is that slave? How does the slave care for us?

Jehovah has always used a man or a small group of men to give direction to his people. (Malachi 2:7; Hebrews 1:1)

After Jesus’ death, the apostles and elders in Jerusalem took the lead. (Acts 15:2)

Following that pattern, today a small group of elders—the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses—provides spiritual food and directs the preaching work. This group is “the faithful and discreet slave whom [Jesus] appointed.” (Matthew 24:45a)

All members of the Governing Body are spirit-anointed Christians, who look forward to joining Christ in his heavenly Kingdom when their life on earth is over.

Jesus said that the faithful slave would “give [fellow Christians] their food at the proper time.” (Matthew 24:45b)

Just as the food we eat helps us to stay physically strong and healthy, spiritual food—instruction from God’s Word—gives us the strength we need to remain loyal to Jehovah and carry out the work Jesus has assigned us to do. (1 Timothy 4:6)

We receive that spiritual food through meetings, assemblies, and conventions, as well as through Bible-based literature and videos that help us to understand God’s will and to strengthen our friendship with him.

See why we need “the faithful and discreet slave”—the Governing Body.

Under Jesus’ direction, the Governing Body organizes the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A similar arrangement existed among the early Christians. Play the VIDEO.

Read 1 Corinthians 14.33: For God is a God not of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the holy ones,

Read 1 Corinthians 14.40: But let all things take place decently and by arrangement.

Discuss this question:

How do these verses show that Jehovah wants his Witnesses to be organized?

Preaching was the most important work performed by the early Christians.

Read Acts 8.14: When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them;

Read Acts 8.25: Therefore, when they had given the witness thoroughly and had spoken the word of Jehovah, they started back toward Jerusalem, and they went declaring the good news to many villages of the Samaritans.

Discuss these questions:

Among the early Christians, who directed the preaching work?

How did Peter and John respond to the direction of their fellow apostles?

Preaching is the most important work organized by the Governing Body. Play the VIDEO.

Jesus emphasized how important preaching is.

Read Mark 13.10: Also, in all the nations, the good news has to be preached first.

Discuss these questions:

Why is the preaching work so important to the Governing Body?

Why do we need “the faithful and discreet slave” to organize this global work?

The Governing Body provides direction for Christians worldwide. How does it decide what direction to give? Consider how the governing body of the early Christians did so.

Read Acts 15.1, 2: Now some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers: “Unless you get circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” But after quite a bit of dissension and disputing by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was arranged for Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem regarding this issue.

Discuss these questions:

What issue caused conflict among some early Christians?

To whom did Paul, Barnabas, and others go in order to settle the issue?

Read Acts 15.12-18: At that the entire group became silent, and they began to listen to Barnabas and Paul relate the many signs and wonders that God had done through them among the nations. After they finished speaking, James replied: “Men, brothers, hear me. Symeon has related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name. And with this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written: ‘After these things I will return and raise up again the tent of David that is fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins and restore it, so that the men who remain may earnestly seek Jehovah, together with people of all the nations, people who are called by my name, says Jehovah, who is doing these things, known from of old.’

Read Acts 15.23-29: They wrote this and sent it through them: “The apostles and the elders, your brothers, to those brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia who are from the nations: Greetings! Since we have heard that some went out from among us and caused you trouble with what they have said, trying to subvert you, although we did not give them any instructions, we have come to a unanimous decision to choose men to send to you together with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are therefore sending Judas and Silas, so that they also may report the same things by word of mouth. For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you except these necessary things: to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!”

Discuss this question:

Before making a decision, what did the early governing body consider when seeking God’s guidance on the matter?—See verses 12, 15, and 28.

Read Acts 15.30, 31: So when these men were dismissed, they went down to Antioch, and they gathered the whole group together and handed them the letter. After reading it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

Read Acts 16.4, 5: As they traveled on through the cities, they would deliver to them for observance the decrees that had been decided on by the apostles and the elders who were in Jerusalem. Then, indeed, the congregations continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number day by day.

discuss these questions:

How did the early Christians react to direction given by the governing body?

How did Jehovah bless their obedience?

Read 2 Timothy 3.16: All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness,

Read James 1.5: So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him.

Discuss this question:

Where does the Governing Body look for guidance when it makes decisions today?

What proves to you that Jesus is leading the Governing Body?

The Governing Body is “the faithful and discreet slave” appointed by Christ. It gives direction and spiritual food to Christians earth wide.

Who appointed “the faithful and discreet slave”?

How does the Governing Body care for us?

Do you believe that the Governing Body is “the faithful and discreet slave”?

Lesson completed on:

As encouraged at 2 Thessalonians 3:1, regularly pray for Jehovah to bless the work of the Governing Body.

Other: Memorizing Bible scriptures is vital for blind individuals to defend the truth using the Bible, build faith, provide comfort during difficult times, and keep God’s principles firm in heart and mind.

From lesson 54, memorize Matthew 24:45: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?

1. See how the Governing Body is organized to do its work.

“What Is the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses?” (Web article) Open explore 1 in new page

2. Learn how the Governing Body makes sure that we receive trustworthy spiritual food.

Producing Accurate Publications (17:18) Open explore 2 in new page

3. How do the members of the Governing Body feel about the work Jesus has assigned them to do?

A Cherished Privilege (7:04) Open explore 3 in new page

4. How do our meetings and conventions prove that Jehovah is directing the Governing Body?

Jehovah Is Teaching His People (9:39) Open explore 4 in new page