14. One day Jesus cast out a demon from a man who couldn’t speak, and when the demon was gone, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed,
15. but some of them said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons.”
16. Others, trying to test Jesus, demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.
17. He knew their thoughts, so he said, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart.
18. You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive?
19. And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said.