Jesus and Beelzebub
20 Jesus entered a house. Again a crowd gathered. It was so large that Jesus and his disciples were not even able to eat.
21
His family heard about this. So they went to take charge of him. They said, "He is out of his mind."
22
Some teachers of the law were there. They had come down from Jerusalem. They said, "He is controlled by Beelzebub! He is driving out demons by the power of the prince of demons."
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So Jesus called them over and spoke to them by using stories. He said, "How can Satan drive out Satan?
24
If a kingdom fights against itself, it can't stand.
25
If a family is divided, it can't stand.
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And if Satan fights against himself, and his helpers are divided, he can't stand. That is the end of him.
27
In fact, none of you can enter a strong man's house and just take what the man owns. You must first tie him up. Then you can rob his house.
28
"What I'm about to tell you is true. Everyone's sins and evil words against God will be forgiven.
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But anyone who speaks evil things against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. His guilt will last forever."
30
Jesus said this because the teachers of the law were saying, "He has an evil spirit."