Jesus performed many miracles, including the driving out of demons. Looking to denounce His works, the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of demons! This leads Jesus to deliver a parable to counter their outrageous claims. In the parable, Jesus states, “And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Jesus is emphasizing the importance of unity within the faith. The parable is of a divided Kingdom that can no longer stand because of its division. Jesus explains that if Satan and his forces of evil fight amongst themselves they will only weaken themselves. Jesus continues to explain that by casting out demons by the power of God, the Kingdom of God has arrived. This parable thus confirms Satan’s grip on our world but also the breaking in of the Kingdom of God to drive Him out and reclaim God’s children.
Parable of the Divided Kingdom Meaning
The Parable of the Divided Kingdom can be found in Matthew 12:24-30 and Mark 3:23-27:
Mathew 12:24-30
“But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”
Mark 3:23-27
“And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.”
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