Interwoven Gospels Now when Jesus cast out a mute demon, the mute man spake; and the multitude wondered. But some of them said, "By Beelzebub, chief of the demons, He casteth out the demons." And others, trying Him, sought of Him a sign from heaven. But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. Likewise if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? For ye say that I am casting out the demons by Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out the demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I by God's finger cast out demons, then the kingdom of God is come among you. "When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own mansion, his goods are in safety; but when a stronger than he, coming upon him, shall overcome him, he taketh away his complete armor upon which he relied, and distributeth his spoils. He that is not with Me, is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me, scattereth. "When the unclean spirit is gone out from the man, it goeth through waterless places, seeking rest; and not finding it, it saith, 'I will return into my house, whence I came out." And when it cometh, it findeth it swept and put in order. Then it goeth and taketh to itself seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and, entering in, they dwell there. And the last state of that man becometh worse than the first." Now it came to pass, as He was saying these things, a certain woman lifting up her voice from among the crowd, said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that carried Thee, and the breasts which Thou didst suck." But He said, "Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it." Adapted from The Interwoven Gospels © Books for Living, Inc. Digital Edition by V. Gilbert Beers, © 2009 Bible Studio, LLC. Used by Permission. Bible Hub |