14 Jesus was throwing out a demon that causes muteness. When the demon was gone, the man who couldn't speak began to talk. The crowds were amazed.
15
But some of them said, "He throws out demons with the authority of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons."
16
Others were testing him, seeking a sign from heaven.
17
Because Jesus knew what they were thinking, he said to them, “Every kingdom involved in civil war becomes a wasteland, and a house torn apart by divisions will collapse.
18
If Satan is at war with himself, how will his kingdom endure? I ask this because you say that I throw out demons by the authority of Beelzebul.
19
If I throw out demons by the authority of Beelzebul, then by whose authority do your followers throw them out? Therefore, they will be your judges.
20
But if I throw out demons by the power of God, then God's kingdom has already overtaken you.
21
When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his possessions are secure.
22
But as soon as a stronger one attacks and overpowers him, the stronger one takes away the armor he had trusted and divides the stolen goods.
23
" Whoever isn't with me is against me, and whoever doesn't gather with me, scatters.
24
When an unclean spirit leaves a person, it wanders through dry places looking for a place to rest. But it doesn't find any. Then it says, ‘I'll go back to the house I left.'
25
When it arrives, it finds the house cleaned up and decorated.
26
Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself. They go in and make their home there. That person is worse off at the end than at the beginning."