Luke 11:14–20 (ESV)
Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
They’re accusing Jesus of witchcraft—using the power of Satan to perform a miracle. This is an outrageous accusation, and Jesus could have really lit into them for making it.
But instead He turns it into a teachable moment. Casting out demons by the power of Satan is silly. Why would the prince of demons fight against his own demons? It’s like accusing Eisenhower of winning the Battle of the Bulge by colluding with Hitler. Why would Hitler work against his own army? That’s nuts.
Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?
Then comes a stunning twist. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.
Some of their sons are disciples!* No wonder they were making such desperate arguments. There’s a contentious back-story behind their actions.
So, Jesus takes the argument to its logical conclusion. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
The kingdom of God has arrived.
Jesus’s apologetic method is a lesson for us all. It’s hard to resist the temptation to strike back when insulted, especially when the insult is ridiculous. Jesus handles this perfectly.
But how should we react when things turn ugly? Of course, responding in love and humility is a given. If only we had the self-control to do it!
The key isn’t great technique; it’s prayer. Always ask for help—in advance and on the spot.
*Some commenters disagree with the thesis that their sons were disciples—believing that their sons were just using traditional Jewish exorcism techniques. But the Old Testament has no record of any such techniques.
