Matthew 12:24-28
24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” 25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you
Reflection
There are many translations for the term used here as “Beelzebul” (thought to be linked to the term Beelzebub) but none of them are nice descriptions. It can be translated “lord of the flies/maggots” or “lord of dung/decay.” What do you think this reference to our “adversary” says about the ultimate goal of our enemy? How do you see this work being lived out in the world?
