It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household? The Beelzebul accusation (already anticipated from 9:34 and fully engaged in 12:24) is the model for the treatment the disciples will receive: if the master is called demonic, the students will be called the same or worse. Beelzebul (lord of the flies, or lord of dung) was a Philistine deity's name applied insultingly to the chief of demons. The disciples who share in the teacher's mission share in the teacher's dishonor — and should expect nothing better.

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