The Life of Christ

In addition to the twelve men there were numerous women who also accompanied Jesus throughout His travels.

• These women contributed to the ongoing financial expenses that go along with such travel. The range of background extends from Mary Magdalene, to Joanna the wife of Herod’s steward.

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Mt. 12:22-24 Then there was brought to Him a demon-possessed man who was blind and dumb, and He healed him, so that the dumb man spoke and saw. 23 And all the multitudes were amazed, and began to say, “This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.”

To refer to Jesus as the “Son of David” was a way of declaring Jesus the Messiah, knowing that the Messiah would someday come from His lineage.

• The Pharisees concluded that Jesus was permanently possessed by a demon, and this demon was none other than Beelzebub, the prince of the devils.

• In their view it was actually Satan who gave Jesus the power to do the miracles.

• They regarded Jesus as the incarnation of Satan, who came fully representing the kingdom of darkness.

• According to Mt. 11:18 they also accused John the Baptist of having a demon.

Beelzebub actually means, “Lord of the flies,” meaning, like flies, the devil is attracted to “ decay. ”

• The devil is attracted to attitudes like bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, hatred, and especially unjustified anger.

Mt. 12:25-26 And knowing their thoughts He said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself shall not stand. 26 “And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand” ?

It’s always easier to blame something on the devil.

• Jesus counters their claim using simple logic.

• For Satan to destroy the kingdom of Satan means that his kingdom cannot stand.

Mt. 12:27 “And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? Consequently, they shall be your judges.” Jesus uses a second point of logic that caught them off guard. • Jesus, aware of their belief that the Pharisees thought they could also cast out demons, when in reality they couldn’t, He takes advantage of their faulty mindset.

• “So, if demons are cast out by Satan, does this mean that your sons are also casting out demons by Satan?

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