What is the meaning of Mark 3:26? And if Satan is divided Jesus draws the crowd’s attention to the sheer impossibility of a kingdom thriving when its ruler is split against himself (see Matthew 12:25 and Luke 11:17). If even human governments collapse under internal conflict, how much more would Satan’s domain crumble should he begin to war with his own forces? This observation affirms Jesus’ earlier claim that He casts out demons “by the Spirit of God” rather than by demonic power. and rises against himself The picture intensifies: not only is there division, but Satan is actively turning on his own agenda. Scripture elsewhere shows Satan as single-minded in opposition to God (John 8:44; 1 John 3:8). A self-inflicted insurrection would contradict everything we know of his character and strategy. Jesus’ logic exposes the absurdity of His critics’ accusation that He performs miracles by Satan’s power. he cannot stand A divided, self-opposing kingdom collapses. Paul uses similar imagery when describing spiritual warfare: believers are called to “stand firm” against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11). If steadfast unity is required to stand, the opposite—division—guarantees defeat. Satan’s defeat is not hypothetical; Christ’s ministry on earth already demonstrates authority over him (Colossians 2:15; Luke 10:18). his end has come Because Jesus decisively casts out demons, He signals Satan’s impending doom. This aligns with Revelation 20:10, where the devil is ultimately thrown into the lake of fire, and with Romans 16:20, which promises that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” The phrase “has come” underscores the certainty of that future: Christ’s victory is present and ongoing, moving creation toward the final judgment when Satan’s power will be utterly extinguished. summary By pointing out the impossibility of Satan fighting himself, Jesus refutes the charge that His deliverance ministry is demonic. A kingdom divided is doomed; therefore, Satan’s consistent hatred of God rules out any suggestion that Jesus works by demonic power. Instead, every exorcism proclaims Christ’s superiority and previews Satan’s inevitable, foretold end. |
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