Matthew 12:25

"But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This man does not cast out demons except by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.”"

Key Reflection

The Pharisees' accusation that Jesus casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, reflects their refusal to acknowledge his divine authority. Instead, they attribute his power to satanic influence, highlighting the spiritual conflict and resistance faced by Jesus in his mission to reveal the truth.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 25. 25. And Jesus knew their thoughts, etc. To know the thoughts of the heart belongs only to God, Ps 139:2; Jer 17:10. Every kingdom, etc. Their subtle and cunning device was completely foiled, and Jesus made their argument recoil on their own heads. A kingdom, or a family, can prosper only by living in harmony. The different parts and members must unite in promoting the same objects. If divided--if one part undoes what the other does--it must fall. So with the kingdom of Satan. It is your doctrine that Satan has possessed these whom I have cured. It is, also, your doctrine that he has helped me to cure them. If so, then he has helped me to undo what he had done.

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