Who Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave—Really?

One of the most defining doctrines of the Jehovah's Witnesses is the teaching that a small group of men at Watchtower headquarters in New York—referred to as "the faithful and discreet slave"—are God’s sole channel of communication on earth. But is this what Jesus really meant when He spoke about the faithful and discreet slave in Matthew 24:45-47?

Let’s take a closer look at this parable and examine what Scripture truly says.

The Parable in Context

Jesus said:

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions." (Matthew 24:45-47, ESV)

This parable is part of a series of teachings Jesus gave to encourage readiness, watchfulness, and personal faithfulness among all His followers before His return. It's important to notice that Jesus spoke in parables to teach principles—not to declare organizational structures or prophetic timelines.

The passage does not identify a specific group or leadership class. In fact, it continues with a warning about a wicked servant who abuses his position, making it clear that anyone in a position of spiritual responsibility should take heed.

Watchtower Interpretation vs. Biblical Meaning

The Watchtower organization teaches that in 1919, Jesus inspected all religious groups and selected the Watchtower leadership as His "faithful and discreet slave." Prior to 2012, they claimed that all anointed Jehovah's Witnesses made up this slave class. That doctrine quietly shifted to a much narrower definition: the Governing Body alone.

But here's the issue: there is no biblical evidence for any of this.

• Jesus never says this slave represents a governing body.

• The year 1919 is not found anywhere in the Bible.

• The idea that Christ chose a group of men in Brooklyn to be His sole channel has no scriptural foundation.

Instead, the parable is clearly about individual readiness and faithfulness. It's a reminder that when Jesus returns, He will reward those who have remained faithful and diligent in their service.

The Real Message of the Parable

The message of the parable is straightforward: each servant of Christ is expected to faithfully care for others and be ready for the Master's return. It’s not about one organization or religious elite.

Jesus consistently warned against the dangers of spiritual pride and controlling leadership. In Matthew 23:8-10, He said:

"But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers… Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah."

The focus is on humility, service, and shared accountability—not centralized authority.

Scripture also makes it clear that all believers receive the Holy Spirit and are guided by God’s Word—not through one select group:

"But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you." (1 John 2:27)

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:7)

The Danger of Misapplying This Parable

When a small group of men claim to be the exclusive voice of God, it places undue spiritual authority in human hands. It discourages personal study, critical thinking, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Many Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that questioning the Governing Body is equivalent to questioning Jehovah Himself. But the Bible encourages all believers to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to be like the Bereans, who “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Galatians 1:8 provides a sobering warning:

"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed."

So, Who Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?

The faithful and discreet slave is not a group of leaders in New York. It is any believer who is faithfully serving Christ, feeding others with spiritual truth, and living in expectation of His return.

Jesus did not come to set up a religious hierarchy—He came to establish a body of believers led by His Spirit. Each of us has a role in building up the body, encouraging one another, and sharing the good news.

Let us each strive to be that kind of servant.