The Believer’s Mission to Occupy: A Call to Action in a Hostile World

Based on Scott Mitchell’s Bible lesson Occupy Till I Come: The Mission, the Mandate, and the Master’s Return

In Luke 19:13, Jesus delivers a clear directive to His servants: “Occupy till I come.” At first glance, this phrase may appear to reflect business or enterprise. Yet, embedded within it is a multi-layered charge for every believer—one that encompasses responsibility, vigilance, and unwavering faith in the face of spiritual opposition. The parable that surrounds this command is not a quaint story. It is a call to spiritual arms.

The nobleman in the parable, a representation of Christ, entrusts his servants with responsibilities during his absence. This is a picture of the current church age, where believers are stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1) and ambassadors of His kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20). The instruction to "occupy" carries strategic depth when understood in both its historical and spiritual contexts.

Behind Enemy Lines: A Kingdom Not Yet Manifest

The idea of occupying implies contested space. Just as soldiers hold ground amid resistance, believers are called to live and labor in a world under the sway of spiritual darkness. Jesus Himself confirmed this in His prayer: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them...” (John 17:14). This world is not a neutral setting; it is enemy-held territory where believers must be vigilant, discerning, and courageous.

Romans 13:11-14 urges Christians to awaken from spiritual sleep, to “cast off the works of darkness,” and to “put on the armour of light.” The charge to occupy is not passive; it demands spiritual warfare, self-denial, and commitment to a heavenly mission.

Occupy: Definitions that Illuminate the Task

There are many biblical dimensions of the word “occupy.” Drawing from the Greek pragmateuomai (to trade or do business), and Hebrew connotations like arab (to pledge or be surety), the full scope of this command is far-reaching.

Scripture fleshes out this term in practical ways:

• To conduct spiritual business – Investing our gifts and laboring for eternal returns (Luke 19:15-19).

• To dwell faithfully – Living in a world not our own, yet representing the Kingdom (John 17:18).

• To hold a position – Serving as ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

• To engage in warfare – As good soldiers of Christ Jesus, not entangled in worldly affairs (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

• To lead and labor – Submitting to the ministry and building up the body (Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 16:15-16).

• To steward with purpose – Guarding the spiritual deposit entrusted to us (1 Timothy 6:20).

  
  

These facets of “occupy” form a complete picture of Christian responsibility: proactive, alert, and rooted in eternal perspective.

A Day of Reckoning: Accountability Before the King

The parable does not end with mere labor—it culminates in judgment. The nobleman returns and calls each servant to account. Those who were faithful are rewarded with rulership (Luke 19:17), while the unprofitable servant is rebuked and stripped of his stewardship (Luke 19:24-26). The stakes are high.

Paul echoes this sober reality in 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…”. What we do in this life has eternal consequence—not for salvation, but for reward or loss. The call to occupy is directly tied to preparing for this divine evaluation.

Faithfulness in the Field: Living Out the Mandate

Occupying is not confined to the pulpit or mission field. Every believer, whether in the home, workplace, or ministry, is given unique opportunities to serve. Paul exhorts, “Be not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). This is the economy of the Kingdom: diligence, focus, and faithfulness in every sphere of life.

We are called to fill the space we've been given—with the light of Christ, the truth of the gospel, and the love that edifies (2 Corinthians 4:6-7; Romans 12:9-14). The tools for this task are spiritual gifts, the Word of God, and the Spirit within us.

Conclusion: The Return Is Certain—Will We Be Ready?

Jesus’ command to “occupy till I come” is more than an instruction; it is a divine assignment. It encompasses evangelism, discipleship, service, and the stewardship of truth in an increasingly hostile world. Whether as ambassadors, stewards, soldiers, or ministers, the Church must not be idle. Time is short. The Master will return.

This parable is both an encouragement and a warning—an invitation to faithfulness and a reminder of accountability. Let us press forward with purpose, laboring not for earthly gain but for eternal glory.

To explore this lesson further and hear Scott Mitchell walk through these themes in depth, we invite you to watch the full episode of Unlock the Bible Now: Occupy Till I Come: The Mission, the Mandate, and the Master’s Return