A House Divided

(Mark 3:20–27; Luke 11:14–23)

22 Then a demon-possessed man [who was] blind and mute was brought to [Jesus], and He healed [the man] so that [he] could speak and see. 23 The crowds were astounded and asked, “Could this be the Son of David?”

24 But when [the] Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul,[fn] [the] prince of demons, {does} this [man] drive out demons.”

25 Knowing their thoughts, [Jesus] said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then {can} his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom {do} your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if I drive out demons by [the] Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

29 Or [again], how can anyone enter a strong [man’s] house and steal his possessions, unless {he} first ties up the strong [man]? Then he can plunder his house.

30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who {does} not gather with Me scatters.