Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 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 Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

The poor Pharisees trapped themselves by their arguments. What all Jesus did was skillfully extend their statements to the logical conclusion and ask an appropriate question. Was Satan casting himself out of a demon-possessed man? I wonder if there weren't some red faces among the Pharisees as they saw where their logic was driving them.

No, the only other supportable conclusion was that the Kingdom of God was being opened to them at that time by Jesus. We need to follow His example and become skilled in the tools of logic. Many of the favorite arguments against Christianity lead to illogical conclusions when tested by these tools.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 22

Mid-day: 119:137-144

Evening: Psalm 97

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