What did Jesus say about Beelzebub?

The ministry of Jesus was marked by miracles, teachings, and frequent confrontations with religious authorities. Among the many charges levied against Him, one of the most serious was the accusation that He cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub. This name, associated with evil spirits or the prince of demons, becomes a focal point for an important teaching of Jesus about the nature of His mission and the opposition He faced. Let’s explore what Jesus said about Beelzebub, the context of these statements, and their enduring significance.

Who Was Beelzebub?

To understand Jesus’ references, it’s helpful to know who Beelzebub was believed to be. The name Beelzebub (sometimes spelled Beelzebul) derives from a Philistine god worshipped in Ekron (2 Kings 1:2-3), later associated in Jewish tradition with the chief of demons or Satan himself. By the time of Jesus, Beelzebub was a term used to refer to the prince of evil spirits, the ultimate adversary of God.

The Accusation Against Jesus

The most prominent references to Beelzebub in the Gospels occur in Matthew 12:22-32, Mark 3:22-30, and Luke 11:14-23. In these passages, Jesus heals a man possessed by a demon, causing amazement among the crowds. The Pharisees and some religious leaders, however, react with suspicion and hostility. Unable to deny the supernatural power displayed, they accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the authority of Beelzebub: “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the prince of demons” (Matthew 12:24).

Jesus’ Response: A Divided Kingdom Cannot Stand

Jesus responds to this accusation with a series of logical arguments and spiritual insights. He points out the absurdity of Satan casting out Satan: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?” (Matthew 12:25-26). Jesus’ reasoning is clear—if He were working by the power of Beelzebub, it would mean that evil was fighting against itself, which would undermine its own cause.

He further asks, “And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges” (Matthew 12:27). Here, Jesus highlights the inconsistency of the Pharisees’ logic, as Jewish exorcists also claimed to cast out demons. If their works were not attributed to Beelzebub, why accuse Jesus of such?

The Finger of God and the Kingdom

Instead, Jesus asserts that His power comes from God: “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28; cf. Luke 11:20). This statement shifts the focus from the source of His power to its spiritual significance. Jesus’ miracles are evidence of God’s reign breaking into the world, demonstrating authority over evil. By attributing His works to Beelzebub, the religious leaders were not only misjudging Jesus but also resisting the very presence of God’s kingdom.

The Warning About Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

One of the most sobering parts of Jesus’ teaching in this context is His warning about the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. He states, “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven” (Matthew 12:31). By accusing Jesus—the agent of God’s Spirit—of demonic activity, the religious leaders were in danger of hardening their hearts beyond repentance. This warning underscores the seriousness of attributing God’s work to evil.

Beelzebub and the Disciples

Elsewhere, Jesus references Beelzebub to prepare His disciples for opposition. In Matthew 10:25, He says, “It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!” Here, Jesus encourages His followers to expect misunderstanding and slander, reminding them that suffering for His sake aligns them with His own experience.

Conclusion: The Lasting Message

Jesus’ statements about Beelzebub reveal a powerful truth about His identity, mission, and the reality of spiritual conflict. He refutes the charge that His authority is demonic, instead pointing to the arrival of God’s kingdom. His warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit serves as a caution not to reject the clear evidence of God’s work.