What is the meaning of Matthew 12:26? If Satan drives out Satan - Jesus has just healed a demon-possessed man (Matthew 12:22-24). The Pharisees claim He did it “by Beelzebul.” In response, Jesus begins with the simple, observable premise: if the prince of demons were expelling his own agents, he would be working against his own interests. - Cross references underline the same logic: Mark 3:23 “How can Satan drive out Satan?”; Luke 11:17-18 “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste.” - By stating “If,” Jesus is not granting that Satan really empowered Him; He is exposing the absurdity of their claim. In effect He says, “Let’s suppose your accusation is correct and see where it leads.” he is divided against himself - A kingdom, army, or household torn by civil war cannot last (Mark 3:24-25). The same principle is true for any sphere of authority—including Satan’s. - Scripture shows the destructive power of internal division: Numbers 16:31-33 with Korah’s rebellion, 2 Samuel 15 with Absalom, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 within the church. Whenever leaders fight their own followers, collapse follows. - If Satan’s forces were genuinely attacking each other, their alliance against humanity would crumble. Yet the Gospels consistently portray demons cooperating in opposition to Christ (Matthew 8:29, Luke 11:26). How then can his kingdom stand? - Jesus presses the conclusion: a divided kingdom cannot remain. Since Satan’s kingdom is plainly still operating (Ephesians 2:2, 1 John 5:19), the Pharisees’ charge falls apart. - The phrase “his kingdom” acknowledges that Satan does possess a real but temporary dominion in this present age (John 12:31, 2 Corinthians 4:4). Jesus does not deny the existence of that kingdom; He exposes its single-minded hostility toward God. - By demonstrating power over demons without serving Satan, Jesus declares Himself stronger than the “strong man” (Matthew 12:29). His miracles signal the inauguration of a superior kingdom that will ultimately crush the enemy (Colossians 2:15, Revelation 20:10). summary Matthew 12:26 shows Jesus dismantling the Pharisees’ accusation with plain logic. If Satan were casting out his own demons, his realm would collapse—but it plainly continues, proving Jesus’ authority comes from God, not the devil. The verse highlights three truths: Satan’s kingdom is real, unity is essential for any kingdom’s survival, and Christ’s power over demons reveals the arrival of a greater, uncontested kingdom—the kingdom of God. |
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