22
Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn’t speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see.
23
The crowd was amazed and asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?”
24
But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, 1 the prince of demons.”
25
Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.
26
And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive.
27
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.
28
But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.
29
For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger - someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.
30
“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.
31
“So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven - except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven.
32
Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.