Who the true Faithful Slave Really is!
As we read through the Parable of the Faithful Slave, uttered by Jesus, it is, a serious error, to do as the Governing Body of the Watchtower Society does, conclude that there is merely only one Master at issue in that Parable. But a closer look at that Parable, reveals that there are Two Masters in question in that Parable, not merely only one. This is evidenced by the fact, that it is God's House, that is in question here in this Parable, and the one who really was appointed over it. Ephesians 2:19 and 1 Timothy 3:15 will reveal that it was, 'God's House' that was in question here. Read this Parable through, to get the full sense of what is being said.
"Who then is the faithful and sensible Slave whom his Master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time." "Blessed is that slave whom his Master finds so doing when he comes." "Truly I say to you, that he will put him in charge of all his possessions." [Matthew 24:45-47] {NAS}Notice? This Slave in question, has a Master that he's answerable to. Notice, too, this Slave in question, aside from giving them their food at the proper time; is put in charge of all of his Masters belongings, or, as stated, 'all his possessions.' Now, the question remains, just who is it that bears all of the credentials of this Faithful and Sensible Slave? We should, now, try to determine exactly whom it was, that was appointed over the House of God, so without too much adeau, I'll direct your attention to the one who really would know who that was. Notice these next words of Jesus: "It is enough for the disciple that he becomes as his Teacher, and the slave as his Master. If they have called the Head of the House [The Faithful Slave] Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household." {Matthew 10:25] Here, we have the very Son of Jehovah God, as much as telling us, that his Father has appointed him over his house, and exactly who would know better than the one who really was appointed over God's House, Jesus Christ?
Now, as regards, all of the possessions that this sensible slave is put in charge of, aside from giving all of the other members their spiritual food at the proper time; consider the fact that Jehovah God, the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, the great fear inspiring King of Eternity, has always held great power and authority in heaven and on earth; as well as holding Authority over all Mankind, and that for many thousands of years. But, notice now, some of the belongings that have been given to this, 'head of the house,' mentioned only previously. Pay strict attention now to these following words of Jesus, spoken just prior to his ascension: "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ..."All Authority has been given to me in Heaven and on earth. ..." But that, is merely the tip of the iceberg, for, again, notice these next words of Jesus: "These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up his eyes to Heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee. even as thou gavest him Authority over all Mankind, that to all that hast given him, He may give eternal life."[Matthew 28:18-20] [John 17:1,2]
Now, notice, what is said about Jehovah's Angels at Hebrews 1: 1-14] In brief, it is stated: " ... And let all the Angels of God worship him." ... So, the point I'm trying to make here, is, for the entire thousand year reign of Christ, the Christ will hold all of that Authority, and rather than bow in worship to Jehovah, Jehovah's Angelic Sons will bow in worship of the Son. Those was the possessions that belonged solely to Jehovah; or the Masters belongings, or all of the Masters possessions that this sensible slave had been put in charge of, as the parable brought out. However, keep in mind, as Paul said, "Jesus is the appointed heir of all things." [Hebrews 1:1,2]
With that in mind, consider the following, and notice how Paul is in complete harmony with Jesus, who has already told us, that he, it was, was the appointed Head of God's house, a position held only by the faithful slave of the parable in Matthew 24:45.
Now, consider the words of Paul on this appointed head: ..."and what is the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe. "These are in accordance with the workings of his strength of his might. which he brought about in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him AS HEAD [As that Faithful Slave] [over all things to the Church. which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all." {{Ephesians 1:19-23] Here, Paul is telling us, that Jehovah has put all things in subjection under his [the Christ's] feet, and gave him as HEAD over all things to the Church.' So, the Christ, being as he is, 'the head of the house,' would also, of necessity, make him the Faithful Slave that is appointed over the household of God. But Paul has more to say about the lofty position now held by the Christ, for note his next words: ... "And being found in appearance as a man , He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." [Philippians 2:8-11]
From all of the preceding, it becomes understandable why Jesus could say the following: "The Father Loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand." [John 3:35;13:3] Recall, now, that the Faithful Slave was to be put in charge of all of his Masters possessions, putting Jesus squarely in the seat of the Faithful Slave, who had all of the Masters things put in his hands.
However, there is still more to put Jesus in the seat of the Faithful Slave, we will recall, the Faithful Slave was to give the household of faith their food at the proper time, and we know, or should, if we do not know it, that Jesus upon ascending to his Fathers right hand, 'received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father.' Notice the Apostle's Peters words on this: "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father, he has poured forth this which you both see and hear." {Acts 2:33]
While, Jesus, walked this earth, he could say to all of his followers: "No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his Master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all the things that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." [John 15:15] Notice, here, Jesus makes reference to himself, as a Master! Proving what I said, about their being two masters in that parable. He also shows us, in those words, that it is he that supplies the food at the proper time. Teaching them, as he does, 'everything that he had heard from his Father.'
Now, how could any mere human, even remember everything that was taught to them, by their, 'one leader,' and, 'one teacher?' [Matthew 23:8-12] This, of course, would be by the means of the Holy Spirit, received from the Father at his ascension. Revealed to us, next: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your rememberance all that I said to you." [John 14:26]
Recall to mind, now, that it was the Faithful Slave of the Parable was to give them their food at the proper time, and we have just been told by Jesus, that the Holy Spirit, now under his power and controll, would, 'teach them all things, bringing back to their minds everything that he had originally taught them.' Giving them all their food at the proper time, as the Faithful slave was foretold to do, in that parable.
Notice, next, exactly how extensive their knowledge would become, as they received it from the Faithful Slave; in the form of the Christ, employing, as he was, the Holy Spirit. "But when He, the Spirit of the truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak of his own initiative, but what things he hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." [John 16:13] Even knowledge of future events would be at their fingertips, as they pondered and mediated over the Holy Writings. [1Timothy 4:15,16] But, Paul shows, there's even more than future events, for notice his words, next: "For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God." [1Corinthians 2:10] As well, the writer of the Proverbs tells us that it is possible, "to find the very knowledge of God." [Proverbs 2:1-6]
But, some may wonder: "How, do we, today, gain this lifesaving knowledge of God?" 'The Christ no longer walks this earth, so how do we, today, arrange to be taught by him?' Paul will enlighten us on that, with his next words: "For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not accoerding to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, [by man] but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ." [Galatians 1:11,12] "For this reason I, Paul the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles --- If indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace which was given to me for you; that by Revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief." [Ephesians 3:1-3]
We, today, can be taught in the same manner that Paul was taught. By means of Revelations from the Heavenly Spirit Realm. But the Apostle John, will explain that so much better than I, for note what John will next tell you about this very thing: "And as for you, the anointing which you received from him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide in him."[1John 2:27]
From those words, it is seen, that the Faithful Slave, would grant those who received this special annointing from him, to receive a constant supply of spiritual food, as long as they continued to remain in union with him. They would need no Religious Teacher on this earth to teach them Jehovah's word of truth.
I've heard it said, that, 'repitition is the Mother of retention,' so with that thought in mind, allow me to cite one more time, just to drive the point home, these words of Jesus, one more time: "It is enough for the disciple that he become as his Teacher, and the slave as his master. {Matthew 10:25] Now, I feel you will agree, that the head of this house, was to supply all the spiritual food to all other members of his household, at the proper time. Exactly as the Faithful Slave in the parable was foretold to do. Now, I ask you: "What position does that fact put the Christ in?""if they have called THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household.?"
I'm fully aware, of exactly where you're coming from. Right now, you're in the uneviable position of Jannes and Jambres who, like you, opposed the truth; these men was like you, of depraved mind, rejected as regards the truth, and you, like them, will make no further progress; in point of fact, even what you imagine you have, will be taken from you. [2Timothy 3: 7-9]
Now, you all know just who the true Faithful Slave Really Is!
It is definitely not, the Governing Body of the Watchtower Society! As they make claim!
Writer: William James Parker
E-mail: [email protected]
