Final answer:
The Pharisees claimed Jesus cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub, aiming to discredit his miraculous works and divine authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons through the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. According to scripture, this accusation came after Jesus performed exorcisms, which were viewed with suspicion by the religious leaders of the time who were skeptical and often critical of His ministry.
They could not deny the miraculous nature of Jesus' actions, so instead, they attempted to attribute His power to an unholy source. This was one of the many instances where the Pharisees tried to undermine Jesus' influence among the people and challenge His claims of divine authority. In the historical and religious context of the time, exorcism, demons, and spiritual authority were contentious topics, and the accusation by the Pharisees reflects the tension between the existing religious establishment and the ministry of Jesus.