A HOUSE DIVIDED

14 Nowi he was driving out a demonj that was mute.k When the demon came out, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. 15 But some of them said, “He drives out demons by Beelzebul,l the rulerm of the demons.”n 16 And others, as a test,o were demanding of him a signp from heaven.

17 Knowing their thoughts,q he told them, “Every kingdom dividedr against itself is headed for destruction, and a house divided against itself falls. 18 If Satans also is divided against himself, how will his kingdomt stand? For you say I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sonsu drive them out? For this reason they will be your judges. 20 If I drive out demons by the finger of God,v then the kingdom of Godw has come upon you.