Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 9:8

"But when the multitudes saw it, they were afraid, and glorified God, who had given such authority unto men." — Matthew 9:8 (ASV)

But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

They did not think deeply enough, and go really to the bottom of the matter, but they concluded that it was a wonderful thing that any man – that any men, as they put it, – should have such power given to them.

It was openly seen by all “the multitudes.” Crowds heard of the marvel. It was town talk. It was evidently no delusion. The hopelessly palsied had been assuredly healed, for he had carried off his mattress and was gone home. The common people did not raise objections, but they wondered and then they trembled, and were overawed, and driven to the adoration of God.

So far so good, but it did not go far enough, nor last long enough. Men may see, marvel, and even in words glorify God, and yet may not accept His Son as their Lord. The multitudes had common-sense enough to give the glory of such a work to God and to be struck with surprise that He should “give such power unto men.” Evidently they viewed Jesus as a man on whom God had bestowed special gifts, a prophet who had received miraculous power, and used it on the behalf of men. They went as far as they knew.

We wish we could say the same of many who, in this day, refuse to give our Lord the divine honors which He claims and abundantly deserves. If “the Son of man” had all this power, how can we limit Him as “the Son of God”? Let us not leave the narrative until we have glorified God for all the many ways in which He gives power to those who have no strength, raises believers out of the paralysis of sin, and makes them blessings to others.