What can we learn from the crowd's reaction to Jesus' miracles in Matthew 15:31? Setting the scene Jesus had just moved to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Vast crowds brought every kind of affliction to Him, “and He healed them” (Matthew 15:30). What follows is the crowd’s response. Verse focus “The crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:31) Key observations • Immediate amazement – a visceral, collective shock that could not be muted or delayed • Comprehensive healings – four distinct categories (mute, crippled, lame, blind) display total authority over human brokenness • Public recognition – praise was vocal and unmistakable, directed toward “the God of Israel,” affirming the Lord’s covenant identity • Fulfillment of prophecy – Isaiah 35:5-6 foretold eyes opened, ears unstopped, the lame leaping: the crowd is witnessing messianic signs in real time • A pattern in the Gospels – similar public astonishment and glorifying of God appear in Matthew 9:8; Mark 2:12; Luke 18:43, underscoring this authentic historical reaction Lessons for today Awe should lead to worship • Genuine encounters with the power of Jesus never leave people neutral. Amazement without adoration is incomplete. • Psalm 118:23 “This is from the LORD; it is marvelous in our eyes”—marveling is meant to turn vertical. Recognize the Messiah in the works of God • The crowd connected the miracles to the God of Israel, implicitly acknowledging Jesus as His Agent and the promised Messiah (John 10:37-38). • Our faith rests on the same historical works, recorded faithfully for our certainty (Luke 1:4). No condition is beyond His reach • “Mute… crippled… lame… blind” covers physical, neurological, and congenital issues. Nothing outruns His authority. • Hebrews 13:8 reminds us He “is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Corporate testimony matters • A united voice glorifying God strengthened each witness. Shared praise magnifies truth (Psalm 34:3). • The church today models this by gathering to recount His deeds and exalt His name together. Fulfilled prophecy anchors confidence • Jesus’ miracles were not random acts of kindness; they were foretold centuries earlier, proving God’s sovereign script. • 2 Peter 1:19 calls prophetic fulfillment “a lamp shining in a dark place.” Responding personally • Let amazement move you beyond admiration to wholehearted worship. • Celebrate testimonies of God’s power, knowing they aim to glorify Him, not the recipient. • Rest assured that every promise God has made will stand just as surely as these healings did, because Scripture is literal, accurate, and unwaveringly true. |
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