Anchor My Faith

A Divided Kingdom Cannot Stand

Scripture: Matthew 12:25-27; Mark 3:23; Luke 11:18

In the previous lesson, Jesus was accused by the scribes to be possessed by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, from which he obtained his power. In this lesson we will look at the response from Jesus to the scribes.

^{Mt 12:25} Knowing their thoughts, ^{Mk 3:23} [Jesus] called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? ^{Mt 12:25} Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. ²⁶ And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? ^{Lk 11:18} For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.”

In verse 24, covered is the previous lesson, the scribes said, ^{Mt 12:24} “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” ^{Mt 12:25} “Knowing their thoughts” would then indicate that Jesus knew what they were thinking beyond what they had already said, thus indicating the omniscience of Jesus and therefore his deity. Their comment and knowing their thoughts, provided an opportunity for Jesus to challenge them with a question: “How can Satan cast out Satan?” This question was to point out that if the satanic sphere of power was internally divided, then it could not stand.

Jesus then follows with two examples: ^{Mt 12:25} “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” Everyone could see the logic in this, for when there is infighting, there will be only limited resources left in which to oppose the enemy. Jesus then expands his original question: ^{Mt 12:26}” And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?”

It would be foolish to think that Satan would work against himself by exorcising a demon because he is using them in an attempt to control the world. If it were Satan who was casting out demons, then clearly his kingdom is internally compromised and will not stand. Jesus then says to the scribes, ^{Lk 11:18} “[if] you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul,” then would not Satan’s kingdom be divided? Now while you are thinking about that, let me ask you another question: ^{Mt 12:27} “If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore, they will be your judges.”

Looking at what others say about the meaning of “sons,” it becomes clear that we don’t know who they really represent. My ESV footnote suggest the possibility that they are associates or disciples of the Pharisees. It is also not clear what events Jesus was referring to in connection with “your sons cast them out.” There are some stories in the literature about strange rituals for casting out evil spirits (See ESV footnote for Matthew 12:27 for references). Maybe it was these rituals that Jesus was referring to; maybe not. The point being made is, if these sons cast out demons, are they also casting them out by Beelzebul and is this not further evidence of a divided kingdom?

Conclusion

If someone has established a strong belief in something, they will likely fabricate a false description for their reason of belief, denying what clearly stands before them in truth. It appears that only God can change their position. In the science and political realm, we see this again and again. Information can be presented which clearly demonstrates the truth, but these who are convinced otherwise will even create false evidence to the contrary to support their position.