The Invisible Sign

Riddles and clues, and clues and riddles —

How strange that the greatest truths are often hidden in the questions rather than the answers.

In the biblical passages of Matthew 24:45–51 and Luke 12:42–48, the expression “the faithful and wise servant” (or “faithful and discreet servant” in some translations) was used by Jesus Christ when speaking to his apostles.

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” (Matthew 24:45–46) BSB

The thought being emphasized is preparedness and faithful stewardship as one awaits the Master’s return.

Beginning with the question: “Who then, is the faithful and wise servant?” Jesus Christ does not identify a specific individual or organization in either account, and yet so many have taken and applied that title to themselves or to their organization.

Self-proclaimed “Faithful Servants”

Since 2013, Jehovah’s Witnesses have officially identified their Governing Body as the “faithful and discreet slave.”

Organized originally as “Bible Students,” they began proselytizing under the banner: “Religion Is A Snare and a Trap.”

Eventually, the JW leadership evolved into a group of self-proclaimed “anointed followers of Christ,” with nothing more than their own personal assurance of having been “chosen.”

Such a beginning hardly makes Jehovah’s Witnesses unique.

Throughout the history of so-called Christianity, nearly every major denomination has developed a hierarchy claiming spiritual authority over believers. For example:

Catholic Church	Baptist (typical)	LDS (Mormon)	Jehovah’s Witnesses
Pope	No central human leader	President/ Prophet	Governing Body
Cardinals	Convention leaders (advisory)	First Presidency	Governing Body members
Archbishops	State conventions	Quorum of the 12 Apostles	Helpers/Committees
Bishops	Regional associations	Seventy	Branch Committees
Priests	Local pastors	Stake Presidents	Circuit Overseers
Deacons	Deacons	Bishops	Elders
Parishioners	Congregation	Ward members	Publishers

Unlike others, the Witnesses go a step beyond, proclaiming that rejection of their organization could amount to an “Unforgivable Sin.” A sin against God’s holy spirit.

However, in Matthew 12:31–32, Jesus defines blasphemy against the holy spirit in the immediate context of the Pharisees attributing the miracles that Jesus Christ performed through God’s Spirit, as having originated with Satan.

In that passage, Christ does not connect the unforgivable sin to rejecting the earthly institutions of religious leaders. Especially those whose actions and behaviors are no more miraculous, no less human, and no more “godly” than any other.

Therefore, the Watchtower’s application of “sin against the Holy Spirit” is an interpretive extension beyond the immediate context of Jesus’ words.

A “Faithful” Slave & An “Evil” Slave

Jesus then continues by contrasting that servant with an evil servant who begins abusing others while he assumes his Master is delayed.

Does Jesus actually say this evil servant is a church, or an organization with a governing body?

No!

The text itself says nothing about an evil governing body, a headquarters, a church hierarchy, an organization spanning centuries, or successors. Neither does it identify that “evil servant,” or any such evil organization.

Any such conclusions require additional interpretation beyond the words of Matthew 24. Beyond all Biblical record.

Luke adds an interesting detail…

Luke records Peter asking:

“Lord, are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else?” (Luke 12:41)

Jesus does not answer Peter directly. Instead, He repeats the illustration:

“Who then is the faithful servant…a response that broadens the lesson rather than narrowing it.

The surrounding context of Matthew 24 contains several illustrations, such as that of Noah’s day and the flood, the thief in the night, the faithful servant, the ten virgins, and the talents.

All of them emphasize the same principle: Be ready, be faithful, and continue working until the Master returns.

Christ repeatedly directed attention to himself, not an INSTITUTION.

“Follow me.”
“Learn from me.”
“Come to me.”
“One is your Teacher, the Christ.”
“Where two or three are gathered in my name…”

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.”
— 1 Timothy 2:5–6 (BSB)

Against that backdrop, Matthew 24 does not explicitly instruct believers to identify a future human governing authority. No priests, popes, elders, ministers, and especially no self-proclaimed “anointed followers.”

Instead, it describes the character of a servant whom the Master finds faithfully carrying out his assigned work when the Master returns.

That observation does not by itself settle every interpretive question, but it does mean the text should not be made to say more than it actually says.

“When the Master comes, will he find me faithful?”