This is the great barrier of thought. It is the greatest issue facing JW's and they can't see it. When I look back to my awakening, it all boiled down to this.
Who has the authority to tell you what to believe (scripturally speaking).
with a careful examination of scripture, Jesus is the ONLY one granted authority. He then assigns RESPONSIBILITY to others. You can apply whatever meaning to this scripture you like, but there is still no transference of authority from Jesus to....well......anyone.