A House Divided
A mute man speaks after the demon leaves, but the crowds split between amazement, accusation, and demand for a sign.
O14ne 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, 15but some of them said, “It is by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons, that He drives out demons.” 16And others tested Him by demanding a sign from heaven.
Jesus answers that division destroys kingdoms and houses, and he says that the finger of God has brought the kingdom of God near.
17Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall. 18If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 20But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Jesus pictures a strong man guarding his house until someone stronger comes, disarms him, and divides the plunder. He ends by setting a line between gathering with him and scattering.
21When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. 22But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder. 23He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.