A House Divided

(Matthew 12:22–30, Mark 3:20–27)

[One day] [Jesus] was driving out a demon that was mute. And when the demon was gone, the [man who had been] mute spoke. The crowds were amazed, 15 but some of them said,“[It is] by Beelzebul,[fn] the prince of the demons, [that] He drives out demons.” 16 And others tested Him by demanding a sign from heaven.

17 

Knowing their thoughts, [Jesus] said to them,“Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how {can} his kingdom stand? After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom {do} your[fn] sons drive [them] out? So then they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by [the] finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

21 

When a strong [man], fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are vvv secure. 22 But when [someone] stronger attacks [and] overpowers him, he takes away [the] armor in which [the man] trusted, and [then] he divides up his plunder.

23 

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who vvv does not gather with Me scatters.

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