⁵ Jesus is also Head of the Christian congregation. As was true of his followers in the first century, we today have no need of a human leader. Jesus gives direction through holy spirit and through qualified undershepherds, who are accountable to him and to his heavenly Father for the care of the flock of God. (Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3) Speaking prophetically of Jesus, Jehovah said: “Look! I made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander to the nations.” (Isa. 55:4) Jesus confirmed the fulfillment of this prophecy when he told his disciples: “Neither be called leaders, for your Leader is one, the Christ.”​—Matt. 23:10.

⁶ As an expression of his mental attitude and willingness to help us, Jesus extends the invitation: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves. For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30) By administering the affairs of the Christian congregation with mildness and in a way that brings us refreshment, Jesus Christ has proved himself to be “the fine shepherd” in imitation of his heavenly Father, Jehovah God.​—John 10:11; Isa. 40:11.

⁹ Jesus’ followers in the first century fully recognized the role of Christ in God’s arrangement. They showed this by working together in unity under the headship of Christ, submitting themselves to his direction, as given by means of holy spirit. (Acts 15:12-21) The apostle Paul made reference to the unity of the anointed Christian congregation when he wrote: “Speaking the truth, let us by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ. From him all the body is harmoniously joined together and made to cooperate through every joint that gives what is needed. When each respective member functions properly, this contributes to the growth of the body as it builds itself up in love.”​—Eph. 4:15, 16.

¹⁰ When each one in the congregation cooperates with the others and all work in harmony under Christ’s headship, there is growth and a warm spirit of love, which is “a perfect bond of union.”​—John 10:16; Col. 3:14; 1 Cor. 12:14-26.