Driving Out a Demon

³² Just as they were going out, a demon-possessed man who was unable to speak was brought to Him.^{(A) 33} When the demon had been driven out, the man^[a] spoke. And the crowds were amazed, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”

³⁴ But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the ruler of the demons!”^(B)

A House Divided

²² Then a demon-possessed man^(A) who was blind and unable to speak was brought to Him. He healed him, so that the man^[a] could both speak and see.^{(B) 23} And all the crowds were astounded and said, “Perhaps this is the Son of David!”^(C)

²⁴ When the Pharisees heard this, they said, “The man drives out demons only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.”^(D)

²⁵ Knowing their thoughts,^(E) He told them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. ²⁶ If Satan^(F) drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? ²⁷ And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, who is it your sons drive them out by? For this reason they will be your judges.^{(G) 28} If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.^{(H) 29} How can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up^(I) the strong man? Then he can rob his house. ³⁰ Anyone who is not with Me is against Me,^(J) and anyone who does not gather with Me scatters.

²² The scribes^(A) who had come down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul^(B) in Him!” and, “He drives out^(C) demons^(D) by the ruler^(E) of the demons!”^(F)

²³ So He summoned^(G) them and spoke to them in parables:^(H) “How can Satan^(I) drive out Satan?^{(J) 24} If a kingdom^(K) is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵ If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. ²⁶ And if Satan rebels against himself and is divided, he cannot stand but is finished!^[a]

²⁷ “On the other hand, no one can enter a strong man’s house and rob his possessions unless he first ties up^(L) the strong man. Then he will rob his house.

²⁰ “You have a demon!” the crowd responded. “Who wants to kill You?”

Jesus and Abraham

⁴⁸ The Jews responded to Him, “Aren’t we right in saying that You’re a Samaritan^(A) and have a demon?”^(B)

⁵² Then the Jews said, “Now we know You have a demon. Abraham died and so did the prophets. You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste death—ever!’

²⁰ Many of them were saying, “He has a demon^(A) and He’s crazy! Why do you listen to Him?”