Understanding the Verse That Says Occupy Till I Come A Biblical Call to Faithful StewardshipThe phrase Occupy till I come appears in Luke 1913 (KJV), spoken by Jesus in the Parable of the Ten Pounds. It is a powerful command that holds deep meaning for believers today. More than a call to simply wait, it urges followers of Christ to actively engage, manage, and multiply what God has entrusted to them until His return.
The Context of Luke 1913
The Parable of the Ten Pounds
In Luke 1912-27, Jesus tells a story about a nobleman who travels to a distant country to receive a kingdom. Before leaving, he gives ten of his servants one pound each and tells them, Occupy till I come. The nobleman eventually returns and evaluates what each servant has done with what was given.
This parable was spoken just before Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowd expected an immediate earthly kingdom, but Jesus used this parable to teach that His kingdom would unfold in stages and His followers had work to do in the meantime.
Occupy Means More Than Just Waiting
A Call to Action
The word occupy in the King James Version is derived from the Greek word pragmateuomai, meaning to do business, trade, or engage actively. This is not a passive command. Jesus was instructing His followers to make use of their time, gifts, and responsibilities with purpose.
Being idle or indifferent while waiting for Christ’s return is contrary to this message. The expectation is that we remain diligent and fruitful.
Faithfulness in the Small Things
In the parable, each servant was given the same amount, but their outcomes were different. One gained ten pounds, another five, while one hid his and produced nothing. This highlights personal responsibility and faithfulness.
We are not all given the same talents or resources, but we are all expected to be faithful with what we have. God rewards not based on how much we were given, but how we used it.
Key Lessons from the Command Occupy Till I Come
1. Use Your Time Wisely
Time is a gift from God. Occupy till I come urges us to use every moment meaningfully. Whether through ministry, work, family, or personal growth, we are called to live intentionally and not waste time in idleness.
Ephesians 516 echoes this principle Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
2. Be Productive in God’s Kingdom
Productivity in a biblical sense doesn’t mean busywork or worldly success. It means bearing fruit spiritual growth, encouraging others, sharing the gospel, helping the needy, and using your gifts for God’s glory.
Jesus is looking for growth when He returns, not perfection. Even small steps of obedience count.
3. Stewardship Is a Spiritual Responsibility
What has God entrusted you with? Your skills, money, time, relationships, and influence are all part of your pound. The parable teaches that God expects us to increase the value of what He gives us not for our glory, but for His.
1 Corinthians 42 says, Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. Faithfulness matters more than success.
4. Avoid the Trap of Fear and Laziness
The third servant in the parable gave excuses. He feared the master and hid the pound in a napkin. His lack of action wasn’t rewarded it was judged. This warns against allowing fear, discouragement, or complacency to keep us from fulfilling our calling.
God desires boldness, not hesitation. When we trust in His guidance, we can act in faith without being paralyzed by fear.
The Urgency of the Mission
Christ Will Return
Occupy till I come reminds us that Jesus is coming back. The exact time is unknown, but the certainty of His return is a motivation to live with urgency and purpose. It’s not a suggestion it’s a command for every believer.
Matthew 2446 says, Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Let us be found working when He comes.
Be Watchful, But Stay Active
Many believers today focus on end-times signs and prophecies. While it’s important to be watchful, Jesus emphasizes action. He wants His church to be awake and working not just watching.
Our faith should be visible in our lives, not hidden away in personal beliefs.
Applying Occupy Till I Come in Daily Life
Serve in Your Community
Look for ways to serve others. This could mean volunteering, mentoring, supporting missions, or simply being a reliable presence in someone’s life. Small acts of love can have eternal impact.
Grow in Your Faith
Spiritual growth is part of our business. Read the Word, pray consistently, attend fellowship, and cultivate your relationship with God. The stronger your faith, the more effective you’ll be in occupying your spiritual role.
Use Your Talents for God’s Glory
Are you a teacher, artist, leader, or helper? Whatever your talent, it can be used for God. Find ways to integrate your gifts into service, whether in church, at work, or in your daily interactions.
Conclusion Be Found Faithful
Occupy till I come is a divine call to live with intention, responsibility, and faithfulness. It reminds us that the Christian life is not just about waiting it’s about working with joy, investing our lives in what truly matters.
Jesus expects His followers to stay engaged and be good stewards of everything He has given. When He returns, may He find us faithful, fruitful, and ready.
This verse is not just historical it’s personal. The time to act is now. Let’s occupy, not out of obligation, but out of love for the One who is coming again.