The Lesson of the Loaves
By use of the account of Jesus feeding 5,000 people with just 5 loaves of bread and two fish, -Matthew 14:14-22, the July 15, 2013 Watchtower study article entitled: “Feeding Many Through the Hands of a Few” focused on the fact that Jesus did so by means of his disciples. By doing this the Watchtower was mentally preparing Jehovah’s Witnesses to accept that Jesus would use a small group of men to take the lead in gathering and feeding all true Christians in our day. Yet while performing this miracle, did you note anywhere in the context that Jesus gives this as the reason he chooses this way to distribute food to the crowds? -Matthew 15:32-39; 16:7-10. What was the lesson of the loaves? -Mark 6:52; 8:19-21.
Consider a similar miracle performed by the prophet Elisha:
“A man came from Baʹal-shalʹi·shah, and he brought the man of the true God 20 loaves of barley bread made from the first ripe fruits, as well as a bag of new grain. Then E·liʹsha said: “Give it to the people so that they may eat.” However, his attendant said: “How can I set this before 100 men?” To this he said: “Give it to the people so that they may eat, for this is what Jehovah says, ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” At that he put it before them, and they ate and they had some left over, according to the word of Jehovah.” -2 Kings 4:42-44.
In the book “All Scripture is Inspired and Beneficial” the society comments:
“Jehovah’s ability always to provide was shown when Elisha fed a hundred men from 20 loaves, even as Jesus was to perform similar miracles later.” -2 Kings 4:42-44; Matthew 14:16-21; Mark 8:1-9 All Scripture is Inspired page 74 paragraph 33).
Notice the point of Elisha’s miracle was not to provide a pattern for how many could be fed by one person but to show “Jehovah’s ability always to provide”. Is this not also the lesson we are to learn from Jesus later miracles? We must ask why now is it important to detract from that lesson in order to emphasize how Jesus distributed the food to the crowd? Which lesson do you think Jesus was really conveying?
“Jesus answered them: “Most truly I say to you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate from the loaves and were satisfied. Work, not for the food that perishes, but for the food that remains for everlasting life, which the Son of man will give you; for on this one the Father, God himself, has put his seal of approval.” -John 6:26, 27.
In each and every one of Jesus’ illustrations regarding a master and a slave or steward there are certain common elements. At some point the master appoints the slaves to some task, then leaves. Upon his return the slaves are rewarded or punished based on their performance of the task.
- the parable of the minas -Luke 19:12-27.
- the parable of the talents -Matthew 25:14-30.
- the parable of the doorkeeper -Mark 13:34-37.
- the parable of the marriage feast -Matthew 25:1-12.
- the parable of the faithful and discreet slave -Matthew 24:45-51.
In all of these the master gives an assignment, departs, returns and then judges.
How has the society explained these parables?
The Minas
“The parable of the minas. -Read Luke 19:11-13. Jesus gave this parable in 33 C.E. on his way to Jerusalem for the last time. Some of his listeners thought that he would set up his Kingdom as soon as they arrived in Jerusalem. To correct that notion and to show that the establishment of the Kingdom was yet a long way off, Jesus compared himself to “a man of noble birth” who had to travel “to a distant land to secure kingly power.” In Jesus’ case, the “distant land” was heaven, where he would receive power as King from his Father. But Jesus knew that he would not be installed as Messianic King immediately after his return to heaven. Instead, he would sit at God’s right hand and wait until the appointed time. As it turned out, that wait lasted for many centuries.—Psalms 110:1, 2; Matthew 22:43, 44; Hebrews 10:12, 13.” -God’s Kingdom Rules page 10 paragraph 13.
The Talents
“Talents and goods are both valuable things and therefore represent kingdom interests. Just before Jesus was crucified he said unto his disciples: “I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me.” -Luke 22: 29. The ((talents” given to his servants in different proportion therefore represent kingdom interests committed unto them individually, in proportion as each one has devoted himself to the Lord. All of them collectively had possession of his “goods”, which represent all of his kingdom interests. “After a long time, the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.” The parable shows that the time must come when the Lord would return to take account with his servants to whom he had committed the kingdom interests, represented by all his goods. The parable then shows that when the Lord does come and take account with his servants he finds two classes. One of these classes he calls “good and faithful” and the other class he calls “wicked”…
The Scriptures show that at the end of the day of God’s preparation the Lord Jesus, as God’s Messenger, suddenly comes to his temple. The context shows that he comes for the purpose of judgment, and that it will be a fiery time. -Malachi 3: 1-3. The parable of the talents shows that the Lord comes to take account with his servants. The scriptures relative to the Lord coming to his temple show that he comes for the purpose of examination and judgment. Therefore the coming to his temple, and the fulfilment of the parable of the talents, must of necessity synchronize; and they do synchronize. The presence of the Lord, referred to in the beginning of Matthew 24th chapter, is from the Greek word parousia. But the word used with reference to his coming when he finds his Servant faithful and wise is from an entirely different word, to wit, erchomai, and means to arrive. Proof has heretofore been submitted in THE WATCH TOWER which it is believed conclusively shows that the Lord came to his temple in 1918. That also synchronizes with the time when the Lord began the fulfilment of the parable of the talents.” (The Watchtower February 15, 1927 page 53 paragraphs 27-28, 33-34.
The March 15, 2015 Watchtower states:
“THE MASTER GIVES HIS SLAVES A FORTUNE
Read Matthew 25:14-30. Our publications have long explained that the man, or the master, in the illustration is Jesus and that he traveled abroad when he ascended to heaven in 33 C.E. In an earlier parable, Jesus reveals his purpose of traveling abroad, namely, “to secure kingly power for himself.” -Luke 19:12. Jesus did not immediately secure full Kingdom power when he got back to heaven. Instead, he “sat down at the right hand of God, from then on waiting until his enemies should be placed as a stool for his feet.”—Hebrews 10:12, 13.
The man in the illustration possessed eight talents, a huge fortune in those days. Before traveling abroad, he distributed the talents among his slaves, expecting them to do business while he was gone. Like that man, Jesus possessed something of great value before he ascended to heaven. What was that? The answer has to do with his life’s work.
Jesus attached great importance to his preaching and teaching work. Read Luke 4:43. By means of it, he cultivated a field that had rich potential. Earlier, he told his disciples: “Lift up your eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting.” -John 4:35-38. He had in mind the ingathering of many other honest-hearted ones who would become his disciples. Like a good farmer, Jesus would not leave unattended a field that was ripe for harvesting. Hence, shortly after his resurrection and before his ascension to heaven, he gave his disciples the weighty commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples.” -Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus thus entrusted them with a precious treasure, the Christian ministry.—2 Corinthians 4:7.
What, then, may we conclude? When giving his followers the commission to make disciples, Jesus was, in effect, committing to them “his belongings”—his talents. -Matthew 25:14. Put simply, the talents refer to the responsibility to preach and make disciples.
The parable of the talents reveals that the master gave to one slave five talents, to another two, and to still another just one. -Matthew 25:15. Although each slave received a different number, the master expected all of them to be diligent in using the talents, that is, in serving to the best of their ability in the ministry. -Matthew 22:37; Colossians 3:23. In the first century, starting at Pentecost 33 C.E., Christ’s followers began doing business with the talents. Their diligence in the preaching and disciple-making work is well-documented in the Bible book of Acts.—Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20. (The Watchtower March 15, 2015 pages 20-21 paragraphs 4-8.
“Similarities in the Illustrations of the Talents and the Minas
The parables of the talents and the minas have a number of features in common. Both describe a man in authority who before embarking on a journey summons his slaves and commits to them his money, instructing them to increase his belongings. Then, when the man returns, he holds his slaves accountable for the way they used the money. -Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27. In both illustrations, the master (1) pictures Jesus, and the slaves (2) picture his anointed disciples. In each account, the master entrusts his slaves with money (3), which pictures the precious privilege of making disciples. Both accounts also contain a warning about what would happen if Christ’s disciples developed the characteristics of a wicked slave. (The Watchtower March 15, 2015 box on page 21)
Noteworthy in this explanation is that the society equates giving the slaves his “talents” with committing to them his “belongings”. Also, it is obvious in this illustration that there is more than one slave.
A supplementary box on page 24 of the same article contains the following information:
Understanding the Illustration of the Talents
When the Master Rewards the Slaves.
Former explanation: In 1919, Jesus rewarded his anointed slaves on earth by entrusting them with increased responsibility.
Adjusted explanation: When Christ comes in the future, he will reward his faithful anointed slaves by raising them to heaven.
The Wicked and Sluggish Slave.
Former explanation: The wicked and sluggish slave refers to anointed ones in the 1914 era who refused to share in the preaching work.
Adjusted explanation: Jesus was not foretelling that a group of his anointed followers would make up a wicked slave class. Rather, he was warning his followers about what would happen if they thought and acted in a way that would cause him to view them as wicked and sluggish.
The Doorkeeper
It is like a man traveling abroad who left his house and gave the authority to his slaves, to each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to keep on the watch. 35 Keep on the watch, therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether late in the day or at midnight or before dawn or early in the morning, 36 in order that when he comes suddenly, he does not find you sleeping. 37 But what I say to you, I say to all: Keep on the watch.” (Mark 13:34-37)
I believe this parable is Mark’s parallel to Matthew’s account. Both record Jesus olivet discourse at the point where he stresses the need to keep awake. While Matthew’s account focuses on just one slave with the responsibility to provide food needing to remain awake, Mark records Jesus words about all of them, including the doorkeeper, needing to do so, each one having a different assignment of work. Hence, Jesus conclusion: “But what I say to you I say to all, keep on the watch.” -Mark 13:37.
How does the society explain this illustration? The March 1, 2004 Watchtower states:
“While “the Israel of God” is the faithful and discreet slave class with an assignment of work, each member also has personal responsibilities. Jesus’ words recorded at Mark 13:34 make this plain. He said: “It is like a man traveling abroad that left his house and gave the authority to his slaves, to each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to keep on the watch.” So each member of the slave class has received an assignment—to increase Christ’s earthly belongings. He carries out this task according to his own ability and opportunities.—Matthew 25:14, 15.
Further, the apostle Peter told anointed Christians in his day: “In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness expressed in various ways.” -1 Peter 4:10. Hence, those anointed ones have the responsibility to minister to one another using the gifts God gave them. Further, Peter’s words indicate that not all Christians would have the same abilities, responsibilities, or privileges. However, each member of the slave class could contribute in some way to the growth of the spiritual nation. How?
First, each one was responsible to be a witness of Jehovah, preaching the good news of the Kingdom. -Isaiah 43:10-12; Matthew 24:14. Just before he ascended to heaven, Jesus commanded all of his faithful disciples, both male and female, to be teachers. He said: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”—Matthew 28:19, 20.
When new disciples were found, they were to be carefully taught to observe all the things that Christ had commanded his disciples. In time, responsive ones became qualified to teach others. Nourishing spiritual food was made available to prospective members of the slave class in many nations. All anointed Christians, male and female, shared in carrying out the commission of making disciples. -Acts 2:17, 18. This work was to continue from the time the slave first began its work until the end of this system of things.
Newly baptized anointed ones became part of the slave, and regardless of who initially taught them, they went on to receive instruction from members of the congregation who met the Scriptural qualifications to serve as older men. -1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9. These appointed men were thus privileged to contribute to the growth of the nation in a special way. Faithful anointed Christian women did not resent that only Christian men were assigned to teach in the congregation. -1 Corinthians 14:34, 35. Rather, they were happy to benefit from the hard work of male members of the congregation and were grateful for the privileges open to women, including that of bringing glad tidings to others. Zealous anointed sisters today manifest the same humble attitude, whether the appointed elders are of the anointed or not.
The fundamental spiritual food given in the first century proceeded directly from the pens of the apostles and other disciples who were taking the lead. The letters they wrote—especially those found among the 27 inspired books that make up the Christian Greek Scriptures—were circulated among the congregations and without doubt provided the basis for teaching by the local elders. In this way, representatives of the slave faithfully distributed rich spiritual food to sincere Christians. The first-century slave class proved faithful to its commission. (The Watchtower March 1, 2004 pages 10-11 paragraphs 10-15.
It appears as though the society would agree. But like all the other illustrations in this discourse, Jesus describes a man traveling abroad.
The Marriage Feast
Here is how the March 15, 2015 Watchtower explains this parable:
“Let us take a look at Jesus’ basic message in this parable. First, consider the main characters. Who is the bridegroom of the parable? Clearly, Jesus was talking about himself. Why, on a different occasion, he even referred to himself as the bridegroom! -Luke 5:34, 35. What about the virgins? In the parable, Jesus says that the virgins have the responsibility to be ready with their lamps lit when the bridegroom arrives. Note the similar directions that Jesus gave to his “little flock” of anointed followers: “Be dressed and ready and have your lamps burning, and you should be like men waiting for their master to return from the marriage.” -Luke 12:32, 35, 36. Furthermore, both the apostle Paul and the apostle John were inspired to liken Christ’s anointed followers to chaste virgins. -2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 14:4. Clearly, Jesus intended the parable recorded at Matthew 25:1-13 as counsel and a warning to his anointed followers.
Next, consider the time frame. To what time period did Jesus’ counsel apply? Jesus supplies us with a clear time indicator toward the end of the parable: “The bridegroom came.” -Matthew 25:10. As was discussed in the July 15, 2013, issue of this journal, Jesus’ prophecy recorded in Matthew chapters 24 and 25 contains eight references to his “coming”; in each case, a form of the same Greek word is used. In every instance, Jesus was referring to the time during the great tribulation when he will come to carry out the judging work and then the destruction of this world system of things. Evidently, then, this parable applies during the last days, but its climax comes during the great tribulation. A footnote on page 14 of the article says:
In the parable, there is a distinct interval between the shout, “Here is the bridegroom!” (verse 6) and the actual coming, or arrival, of the bridegroom (verse 10). Throughout the last days, vigilant anointed ones have discerned the sign of Jesus’ presence. They thus know that he is “here”—ruling in Kingdom power. They face the challenge of enduring until his coming, or arrival. (The Watchtower March 15, 2015 page 14 paragraphs 4-5.
So if the shout, “Here is the bridegroom!” occurs when Jesus’ presence began at 1914 when did they all become drowsy and fall asleep? Previously it was understood to have taken place during the centuries prior to 1914:
“The ten virgins symbolize all Christians who are in line for or who profess to be in line for the heavenly Kingdom. It was at Pentecost 33 C.E. that the Christian congregation was promised in marriage to the resurrected, glorified Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. But the marriage was to take place in heaven at some unspecified time in the future.
The extended delay of the bridegroom indicates that Christ’s presence as ruling King is to be in the distant future. He finally comes to his throne in the year 1914. During the long night prior thereto, all the virgins fall asleep.” -The Watchtower April 15, 1990 page 8.
However, in 2004 this was understood to mean the virgins were the anointed Bible students who experienced disappointment over not receiving their heavenly calling after 1914:
“After speaking of “that evil slave,” Jesus gave two parables to show why some anointed Christians would prove to be faithful and discreet while others would not. To illustrate discretion, he said: “The kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet. For the foolish took their lamps but took no oil with them, whereas the discreet took oil in their receptacles with their lamps.” -Matthew 25:1-4. The ten virgins remind us of anointed Christians before 1914. They had calculated that the bridegroom, Jesus Christ, was about to make an appearance. Hence, they “went out” to meet him, boldly preaching that “the appointed times of the nations” would end in 1914.—Luke 21:24.
They were correct. The appointed times of the nations did end in 1914, and God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus went into operation. But that was in the invisible heavens. On earth, mankind began to suffer foretold “woe.” -Revelation 12:10, 12. A time of testing ensued. Not understanding things clearly, anointed Christians thought that “the bridegroom was delaying.” Confused and facing hostility from the world, generally they slowed down and virtually stopped the organized public preaching work. Like the virgins in the parable, spiritually speaking they “nodded and went to sleep,” even as unfaithful professed Christians did after Jesus’ apostles died.—Matthew 25:5; Revelation 11:7, 8; 12:17. (The Watchtower March 1, 2004 page 14 paragraphs 6-7.
But this is confusing as it would lead the reader to conclude that the virgins nodded and went to sleep after hearing the cry “here is the bridegroom”.
Likewise, the illustration of the Faithful and Discreet Slave has also undergone adjustment.
It was previously understood that the master appointed the slave in 33 C.E. and departed, which coincides with Jesus instructions to Peter and the work of the apostles. -John 21:15-17; Acts 6:2-4.[1] It was further stated that he returned and rewarded the slave in 1919, appointing them over all his belongings, which cannot be supported scripturally.[2]
Now it is said that he appoints the slave in 1919 to give food at the right time to the domestics and rewards him during the great tribulation. Not only is there no evidence, historical or Scriptural to prove 1919 is the time the slave was appointed, but Jesus didn’t depart for anywhere in 1919. The society’s teaching is that he arrived in 1914 and has been invisibly present ever since. So how can they claim he appointed the slave to give food in 1919 when all the parables indicate that after the appointment, the master left and delayed in coming?
A very reasonable comment is made in the March 15, 2015 Watchtower quoted at the beginning of this post:
“As we might expect, over the years Jehovah has helped “the faithful and discreet slave” to become steadily more discreet. Discretion has led to greater caution when it comes to calling a Bible account a prophetic drama unless there is a clear Scriptural basis for doing so. Additionally, it has been found that some of the older explanations about types and antitypes are unduly difficult for many to grasp. The details of such teachings—who pictures whom and why—can be hard to keep straight, to remember, and to apply. Of even greater concern, though, is that the moral and practical lessons of the Bible accounts under examination may be obscured or lost in all the scrutiny of possible antitypical fulfillments. Thus, we find that our literature today focuses more on the simple, practical lessons about faith, endurance, godly devotion, and other vital qualities that we learn about from Bible accounts. (The Watchtower March 15, 2015 pages 9-10 paragraph 10. “This Is the Way You Approved”.
Yet it is viewed that the illustration of the Faithful and Discreet Slave is a prophecy about the appointment in 1919 of a particular class of persons, a few that would take the lead in feeding the many and interpreting the Bible for them, as well as manage some of Christ’s earthly belongings. What scriptural proof is there for any of this? Why cannot this simply be regarded as a lesson to remind all Christians of the vital need to keep alert and active, caring for one another until the arrival of the master?
In paragraph 5 of the article “Who Really is the Faithful and Discreet Slave” it says:
“The illustration of the faithful slave is part of Jesus’ prophecy about “the sign of [his] presence and of the conclusion of the system of things.” -Matthew 24:3). The first portion of the prophecy, recorded at Matthew 24:4-22, has two fulfillments—first, in the years from 33 C.E. through 70 C.E., and second, in a more far-reaching way in our day. Does this mean that Jesus’ words about the faithful slave would also have two fulfillments? No.” -The Watchtower July 15, 2013 page 21 par. 5.
This is an attempt to address a problem that would not even have been created if the slave was not interpreted as being a composite body. Since they believe that Jesus speaks of only one composite slave in Matthew 24:45-47 being appointed in 1919, the society is confronted with a problem of how to deal with the descriptions, activities and obvious appointment by Jesus of the apostles to feed fellow Christians. To allow for the appointment of a modern day faithful and discreet slave and yet remain true to their interpretation of Jesus illustration that there is only one slave, the apostles are viewed as feeding the many without an appointment. This must in turn mean that the modern day governing body has received something that not even the inspired apostles had received.
What scriptural proof is there that Jesus appointed a slave in 1919?
On what basis was the selection made?
In a chapter entitled: The “Slave” Who Lived to See the “Sign”, the book God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years states:
“The serving of food, the right sort of food, at the proper time was the issue. It had to be according to this that a decision must be rendered by the returned master. Well, then, what about that body of Christians internationally hated and persecuted? -Matthew 24:9. Down to 1919 C.E. they had endeavored to give “food at the proper time” to the “household of faith” or the “domestics” of the heavenly Master. They did this despite interference by persecutors and the warring nations. Not only was the regularity in serving the spiritual food a problem, but the quality of the food itself was to be considered. In this respect the body of hated, persecuted Christians, who always sought to be faithful slaves of Jesus Christ, met the test. During the years of the world conflict they had not joined Christendom or pagandom in preaching the war propaganda submitted by the political governments. They persisted in preaching the Bible message for the time and in advocating a Christian adherence to Bible principles for everybody.” -God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached page 350-351 paragraph 40.
The Watchtower July 15, 2013 answers:
“As the harvest season began, a vital question thus arose: With many imitation Christians claiming to be Jesus’ true followers, how could the wheat—anointed Christians—be identified? The illustration of the faithful slave provided an answer. Christ’s anointed followers would be the ones who were well-fed spiritually.”
Accordingly, the determining factor would be the quality of the spiritual food being served among professed Christians at the time. -paragraph. 7. Apparently upon inspection in 1914 Jesus was looking for a group of Christians that were providing the right kind of spiritual food in order to appoint them to provide spiritual food. What is also interesting is the fact that God established both the nation of Israel and the Christian congregation as his channel through miraculous displays of divine support. Yet since the organization can point to no such divine evidence today, it claims that it alone was teaching truth from God. This serves as the basis for why they were chosen for appointment as the faithful slave.
So, an examination of what was being served as spiritual food in 1919 should help us to see why Jesus chose the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society as his channel above all other Christian groups.
[1] See The Watchtower March 1, 1981 page 24
[2] See The Watchtower January 15, 2008 page 25 paragraph 1; The Watchtower March 1, 2004 page 13 paragraph 1