Luke 5:26 – “Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.'”
Extended Explanation
This verse comes at the end of the story where Jesus heals the paralyzed man and forgives his sins. After witnessing the man stand up, pick up his mat, and walk out fully healed, the crowd is overwhelmed with amazement. Their initial shock turns into praise as they recognize that what they just witnessed wasn’t ordinary—it was a display of God’s power.
The phrase “filled with awe” reflects a mixture of wonder, fear, and reverence. They knew they had witnessed something beyond human ability, and they couldn’t help but acknowledge that God was at work. The crowd’s response highlights the purpose of Jesus’ miracles: they weren’t just about healing—they were meant to reveal God’s kingdom and lead people to worship.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, miracles were seen as signs of God’s presence and favor. The people of Israel had a long history of seeing God work through miracles, from the parting of the Red Sea to the provision of manna in the wilderness. However, by the time of Jesus’ ministry, it had been centuries since they had witnessed such powerful acts of God. The crowd would have seen this healing as confirmation that something extraordinary was happening—that God was visiting His people in a unique way.
The reaction of the crowd also reflects the importance of public miracles in the culture. Word of mouth was the primary way news spread, and an event like this would have quickly traveled throughout the region. This miracle wasn’t just for the benefit of the paralyzed man—it was meant to demonstrate Jesus’ authority to the larger community.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several important theological truths:
- God’s power is meant to lead us to worship. The crowd didn’t just stand in amazement—they responded by praising God. This shows that when we witness God’s work in our lives, our natural response should be gratitude and worship.
- Jesus reveals God’s glory. The crowd recognized that what they witnessed wasn’t just a random event—it was evidence of God’s presence. Jesus’ miracles were intended to reveal God’s character, power, and love.
- God’s work is often both public and personal. While the healing of the paralyzed man was a deeply personal experience for him, it also served a larger purpose by revealing God’s glory to the crowd. This shows that God’s work in our lives often impacts others around us.
The crowd’s reaction reminds us that seeing God’s work should result in a heart of awe and praise, not mere curiosity or excitement.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s description of the crowd’s reaction emphasizes the magnitude of what they witnessed. Words like “amazed,” “filled with awe,” and “remarkable” convey the emotional intensity of the moment. The fact that everyone gave praise to God shows that the miracle wasn’t just seen as a random act of kindness—it was understood as a divine event.
The phrase “We have seen remarkable things today” is significant because it underscores the public acknowledgment of God’s power. This isn’t just a private encounter between Jesus and the paralyzed man—it’s a public testimony that leaves a lasting impression on everyone present.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 145:6-7 – “They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” This reflects the crowd’s response of praising God.
- Mark 2:12 – A parallel account where the crowd reacts in a similar way, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
- Luke 7:16 – After Jesus raises a widow’s son, the people respond by saying, “God has come to help his people,” showing that miracles often led to public acknowledgment of God’s presence.
- Exodus 15:11 – “Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” This connects to the theme of awe and wonder in response to God’s miraculous works.
These references highlight the connection between God’s works and the proper response of worship and praise.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that when we experience God’s work in our lives, we should respond with praise and gratitude. Whether it’s an answered prayer, a provision in a time of need, or the spiritual healing we receive through salvation, our response should be to give glory to God.
This verse also challenges us to be aware of God’s presence and activity in our daily lives. The crowd recognized the miracle because it was public and obvious, but God often works in ways that are quieter and more subtle. We need to cultivate hearts that are sensitive to His work so that we don’t miss opportunities to praise Him.
Additionally, this verse reminds us that our testimonies can lead others to worship. Just as the paralyzed man’s healing caused the crowd to glorify God, our stories of God’s faithfulness can inspire others to trust and praise Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His desire to reveal Himself to humanity. He doesn’t hide His power or work in secret—He demonstrates His glory so that people can see it and be drawn to Him. The miracle of the paralyzed man is an example of how God’s love is both personal (healing the man) and communal (leading the crowd to worship).
God’s love is also seen in His willingness to meet people where they are. The crowd wasn’t expecting to see a miracle that day, but God met them in their ordinary lives and gave them a reason to praise Him. This shows that God’s love is not limited by our expectations—He reveals Himself in ways that surprise and amaze us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to Jesus as the one who reveals God’s glory and power. His miracles weren’t just acts of compassion—they were signs of His identity as the Son of God. The crowd’s reaction to the miracle reflects the purpose of Jesus’ ministry: to reveal God’s kingdom and invite people into a relationship with Him.
The healing of the paralyzed man also foreshadows the greater work Jesus would accomplish through His death and resurrection. Just as the man was physically restored, Jesus offers spiritual restoration to all who believe in Him. The praise and awe that followed the miracle are a glimpse of the worship that will one day fill heaven when God’s redemptive plan is fully realized.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you typically respond when you see God working in your life or the lives of others?
- Are there any recent blessings or answered prayers in your life that you need to thank God for?
- How can sharing your testimony help others recognize God’s power and give Him praise?
- Why is it important to be “filled with awe” when we see God’s work, and how can we cultivate that sense of wonder?
- In what ways does Jesus’ healing of the paralyzed man remind you of the spiritual healing He offers to everyone?
This verse invites us to respond to God’s work with worship and gratitude. Just as the crowd was amazed and praised God, we are called to recognize His hand in our lives and give Him the glory He deserves. When we do, we not only grow in our own faith but also encourage others to see and respond to His goodness.