Jesus healed him by casting out the devil, so that
he "both saw and heard." Casting out devils had always been regarded by
the Jews as a direct work of the Spirit of God. The people are amazed,
and proclaimed him the Son of David, or the Messiah. The Pharisees could
not deny the fact, but they said: "He does it by Beelzebub, the prince
of devils."
These three incidents show a disposition on their part to deliberately
reject all testimony contrary to their plan to compass his death. They
had rendered their verdict in advance and were not open to conviction,
no matter _what_ testimony might be offered. Jesus tells them that if he
casts out devils by Beelzebub, then Satan is divided against himself.
"But if I by the Spirit of God cast out devils, then is the kingdom of
God come upon me" (Matt. 12:28). "_Therefore_ I say unto you, Every sin
and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the
Spirit shall not be forgiven. And whosoever shall speak a word against
the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever shall speak
against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this
world, nor in that which is to come" (Matt. 12:31, 32). That these men
had committed, or were in great danger of committing, this blasphemy is
evident from the caution uttered above.
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