15
But some from the crowd were cynical. "Black magic," they said. "Some devil trick he's pulled from his sleeve."
16
Others were skeptical, waiting around for him to prove himself with a spectacular miracle.
17
Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, "Any country in civil war for very long is wasted. A constantly squabbling family falls to pieces.
18
If Satan cancels Satan, is there any Satan left? You accuse me of ganging up with the Devil, the prince of demons, to cast out demons,
19
but if you're slinging devil mud at me, calling me a devil who kicks out devils, doesn't the same mud stick to your own exorcists?
20
But if it's God's finger I'm pointing that sends the demons on their way, then God's kingdom is here for sure.
21
"When a strong man, armed to the teeth, stands guard in his front yard, his property is safe and sound.
22
But what if a stronger man comes along with superior weapons? Then he's beaten at his own game, the arsenal that gave him such confidence hauled off, and his precious possessions plundered.
23
"This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side, you're the enemy; if you're not helping, you're making things worse.
24
"When a corrupting spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul it can bedevil. When it doesn't find anyone, it says, 'I'll go back to my old haunt.'
25
On return, it finds the person swept and dusted, but vacant.