16 Others wanted to put Jesus to the test. So they asked him to show them a sign from God.
17 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said:A kingdom where people fight each other will end up in ruin. And a family that fights will break up.
18 If Satan fights against himself, how can his kingdom last? Yet you say that I force out demons by the power of Beelzebul.
19 If I use his power to force out demons, whose power do your own followers use to force them out? They are the ones who will judge you.
20 But if I use God's power to force out demons, it proves that God's kingdom has already come to you.
21 When a strong man arms himself and guards his home, everything he owns is safe.
22 But if a stronger man comes and defeats him, he will carry off the weapons in which the strong man trusted. Then he will divide with others what he has taken.