A Kingdom Divided Cannot Stand

After Jesus cast the demon out of the man that made him mute, Jesus was accused of casting the demon out by the name of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus knew their thoughts and said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?” (Matthew 12:25, 26 ESV).

Jesus then asked them by whom their sons cast demons out. If Jesus was doing it by the name of Beelzebul, then so were the Pharisees. Jesus went on to explain that all blasphemies are forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or the one to come. Most people focus on this part of Jesus’ speech and rightfully so. If there is an unforgivable sin, we want to know for sure that we are able to avoid it at all costs.

But just as important is Jesus’ point that a kingdom cannot be divided and stand. There is no room for people to be divided as a family, as a nation, or as a church. At a time when our nation is so divided, it’s especially important for Christians to stand united and show the world that Jesus is king! There’s no need or reason for division. We all share the same Savior. God’s church is a people of beauty. When people see unity, healing takes place!