14 Jesus was casting out a demon, and it was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the multitudes marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.” 16 Others, testing him, sought from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. A house divided against itself falls. 18 If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19 But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore will they be your judges. 20 But if I by God’s finger cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come to you.

21 “When the strong man, fully armed, guards his own dwelling, his goods are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks him and overcomes him, he takes from him his whole armor in which he trusted, and divides his plunder.

23 “He that is not with me is against me. He who doesn’t gather with me scatters."

Luke 11:14-23 - World English Bible

In the face of controversy, Jesus insisted on a choice, either side with him or stand against him. His adversaries connected his healings with demonic forces, but he pointed out the illogic of their charge. "If Satan is divided against himself, how can he stand?" He continued with absurd insight: "If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out?" In other words, where did the power of exorcism (practiced by his contemporaries) come from? God, of course! He concluded with an obvious point: "If I by God’s finger cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come to you." Yet, he implied on which side his opponents stood; if he possessed the power of God, his enemies aligned themselves with the powers of darkness. The religious leaders who opposed him divided the people. They might think they were strong, but pride blinded them to their weaknesses. Their places would be soon swept away (by the Romans in the Great Jewish War between and the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD), while the Christian movement would flourish. His followers would survive, while his enemies would fall.

It's easy to criticize; people judge all the time. The danger lies in their own self righteousness, when people presume the favor of God to their point of view, and so, judge as the Maker judges, not realizing that divine will could lie with the opponent.

Have you judged others harshly lately? Have you sincerely prayed for them?