Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 8:1

"And when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him." — Matthew 8:1 (ASV)

When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. (Matthew 8:1)

There was a charm about his preaching, not that he modified his doctrine, or that he cut down his precepts; he spoke very plainly, very searchingly, and yet the people came to hear him. There is a something in the conscience of man that makes him turn away from that which flatters him, and makes him hear, almost against his liking, that which searches him.

Curiosity drew the crowd. Our Lord was popular, but He never prized this popularity for its own sake. He was too wise to think much of what is such a fickle thing. Yet we are glad to see multitudes gathered to hear the Word, for good may come of it. Jesus came down to lift the multitudes up.