In the text today, two accusations are leveled against Jesus by the Pharisees. First, they assert that Jesus “has Beelzebub.” In other words, they argue that he is possessed by the evil one. Second, they maintain that by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons. Jesus is a traitor, pretending to advance the Kingdom of God while really advancing the kingdom of the evil one. Jesus responds to these accusations in reverse order. The second accusation he reveals to be absurd and simultaneously unfolds the real nature of his work – a work of plunder and rescue. Jesus responds to the first accusation by warning the Pharisees that they are in danger of destruction – their obstinacy to the things of God is inexcusable. The interchange helps us understand the true nature of Jesus’ work and the necessity of embracing Him as our only hope.