What does "we have seen remarkable things today" teach about God's power? Setting the Scene in Luke 5:26 Luke 5:24–26: “ ‘But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ He said to the paralytic, ‘I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.’ And immediately the man stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. Everyone was taken with amazement and glorified God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’ ” Why the Crowd’s Words Matter “Remarkable things” (Greek: paradoxa) means events contrary to natural expectation—acts that can be credited only to divine power. The statement is a spontaneous, eyewitness testimony that God’s power has just broken into ordinary life. God’s Power on Display—Four Dimensions • Power to Forgive Sin – Jesus first declared, “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 5:20). – Only God can forgive sins (Isaiah 43:25); Jesus does so openly, proving His divine authority. • Power to Heal the Body – The paralytic rises at once—no therapy, no delay. – Psalm 103:3 celebrates the Lord “who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.” The two graces appear together here. • Power Over Natural Limitations – Paralysis is irreversible by human means in that era, yet instantly undone. – Luke 1:37: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” • Power that Elicits Worship – “Everyone … glorified God.” True demonstrations of divine power always point back to God, not merely the miracle itself (Acts 3:8–9). Echoes Elsewhere in Scripture • Exodus 15:11 – God works “wonders,” prompting praise after the Red Sea. • Mark 7:37 – “They were utterly astonished and said, ‘He has done all things well.’ ” • John 11:40 – “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” Implications for Believers Today • The same Lord who forgave and healed then still possesses unlimited authority (Hebrews 13:8). • Physical and spiritual needs are both within His reach; we never have to choose which to bring to Him. • Expectancy honors God’s power; the crowd’s awe is the proper response whenever He moves (Psalm 115:1). Living in the Light of “Remarkable Things” – Approach Christ with bold, roof-removing faith (Luke 5:18–19). – Celebrate every answer—great or small—as evidence of His active power. – Let awe turn outward to testimony so others, too, can say, “We have seen remarkable things today.” |
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