Matthew 15:31

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Matthew 15:31 (KJV)

Context

Earlier in this chapter, Jesus is approached by Pharisees and scribes who question Him about the disciples’ failure to follow the tradition of washing hands before eating. Jesus responds by exposing their hypocrisy and teaching that it is not what enters a person’s mouth that defiles them, but what comes from the heart. He stresses the importance of inner purity and genuine worship. In Matthew 15:31, the focus shifts to the response of the multitude who witnessed Jesus’ miracles of healing.

Meaning

The verse records that when the people saw the dumb speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing, they wondered and glorified the God of Israel. The phrase “the dumb to speak” refers to individuals who were mute but were miraculously given the ability to speak. This healing signifies not only the restoration of physical ability but also the restoration of their voice and the opportunity to communicate.

“The maimed to be whole” suggests that those who were crippled or had physical impairments were made completely well. Jesus’ healing power extended beyond partial restoration to full restoration, giving hope and a new lease on life to those who were suffering. Similarly, “the lame to walk” indicates that individuals who were unable to walk were now able to move freely, emphasizing the restoration of mobility and the ability to engage in everyday activities.

“The blind to see” highlights the restoration of sight to those who were blind. Jesus performed several miracles of healing blindness throughout His ministry, and each instance reveals His compassion and ability to bring light and understanding to those in darkness. The specific enumeration of these healings highlights the comprehensive nature of His restorative work.

The response of the multitude was twofold: they wondered and they glorified the God of Israel. Their wonder was not mere curiosity but deep amazement that led to worship. The phrase “the God of Israel” is significant, as it identifies the God of the Jewish people as the one who performed these mighty works through Jesus, connecting the miracle to God’s covenant relationship with His people. The people acknowledged that God’s hand was at work through Jesus, and they praised Him as the ultimate source of these miracles.

Biblical connections

This event occurs in a region near the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus had been healing many. The healings demonstrate Jesus’ authority and compassion, and they point to the in-breaking of God’s kingdom, where physical ailments are reversed. The crowd’s reaction serves as a model for how to respond to God’s works of power and grace: with amazement and praise. The glory is directed to God, not to Jesus as a mere wonder-worker, though the implication is that Jesus is the agent through whom God’s power is displayed.

Application

Just as the multitude acknowledged God’s power at work through Jesus, we should recognize that all miracles and healings come from God and give Him the glory and honour due to His name. Jesus’ miracles were driven by His deep compassion for the suffering. As His followers, we should emulate this compassion and seek to alleviate the pain and difficulties of others, both physically and emotionally.

The miraculous healings in this verse remind us of God’s ability to restore and transform lives. We should maintain faith in His power and trust in His plans, even when we face challenging circumstances. When we witness or experience God’s miracles and blessings in our lives, it is essential to respond with gratitude, offering praises to God and acknowledging His goodness.

Reflection

This verse demonstrates Jesus’ authority over physical ailments and disabilities, revealing His compassion and power to restore and heal. It also serves as a reminder that true miracles come from God and should lead us to glorify Him. The healings are not presented as an end in themselves but as a cause for the people to give praise to God. God’s restorative work—giving speech to the mute, wholeness to the maimed, mobility to the lame, and sight to the blind—is a cause for worship. The verse encourages believers to recognize God’s hand in acts of healing and restoration and to respond with heartfelt praise, for God’s works are meant to draw people to Himself in worship and adoration.