WHAT IF …

Let us consider that the Governing Body is, in fact, the “faithful and discreet slave” as mentioned in Matthew 24:45.

 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?”

Now, let us read a few more verses to provide context. Verses 48 and 49.

“But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards.”

Jesus emphasizes that if a servant mistreats others, he is considered an evil servant, as seen in Matthew 24:48-49. This highlights the responsibilities that come with leadership in a community. Mistreating others isn’t just about physical actions; it shows a deep betrayal of trust and care, as it harms those who rely on your guidance.

Applying Jesus’ teachings, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that a specific servant was appointed in 1919, marking a significant moment of divine direction. However, this belief leads to serious consequences when compared to later teachings from the Governing Body. For instance, the blood transfusion doctrine introduced in 1945 imposed strict rules on medical care, resulting in life-changing decisions for many members.

In 2026, the Governing Body changed its stance on the four main components of blood, which not only shows a new understanding but also raises important questions about previous teachings. This shift had real consequences for people who, believing in the old doctrine, refused blood treatments, leading to some tragic outcomes, including deaths. These individuals thought they were being obedient to God, but they faced serious consequences for their beliefs. If enforcing a harmful doctrine in God’s name isn’t seen as “beating” them, it certainly raises some troubling questions.

Looking at the timeline, even if we assume that this situation didn’t change before 1945, there were still 26 years—from 1919 to 1945—when the doctrine was clearer and didn’t involve life-or-death choices about blood. However, since 1945, followers have had to follow a doctrine that has significantly affected their health for 81 years. This brings up a crucial question: who has been responsible for the well-being of the members during all this time?

The differences in the timeline are really interesting. For 26 years, there was no strict blood doctrine, but then for 81 years, many people believe that the enforcement of these rules caused more harm than good.

This situation raises a question about which type of slave Jesus is talking about. Is it the faithful slave who cares for others and helps them live better lives? Or is it more like the evil slave who hurts others with teachings that create suffering instead of helping them?

If the organization guiding Jehovah’s Witnesses has spent more time causing harm than promoting well-being, how can we be certain this is the organization Jesus would have picked? This question requires a careful look at the values, teachings, and actions of the Governing Body, along with the lasting impact on the community they are supposed to help. Reflecting on this might be crucial for members who are wrestling with their beliefs and faith in a complex and historically important situation.