And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, then by what do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.
In this saying Jesus addresses the Pharisees, pointing out their double standards. If certain followers or disciples of the Pharisees (“your sons”) were casting out demons and this was not attributed to demonic power, then why could the same not apply to Jesus? Jesus emphasizes that their logical inconsistency exposes their hostile and unbelieving attitude. He shows that the Pharisees accuse Him not on solid grounds, but because they do not want to accept His authority and divine calling. In the words “They will be your judges,” Jesus says that the Pharisees’ accusations will turn back against them, and that the very people around them will become the ones who expose their falsehood and condemn them, revealing their double standards and distorted thinking.