Luke 7:16-17 :

Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited his people!” This report went out concerning him in the whole of Judea, and in all the surrounding region.

When we see that Jesus really can raise the dead, we realize that He is someone to be highly respected. How many “religious leaders” can put “have performed resurrections” in their work history?

This One that has the power to raise the dead also said that God is disappointed with mankind. The people must have understood this because when they realized what Jesus did “fear took hold” of them. That’s what happens when we know that we are sinful and in the presence of someone who isn’t. As sinful humans we tend to think of ourselves as our own god. We know that we can’t raise the dead, though, so when Jesus does it reminds us of our false sense of divinity. There is no one who is divine like the True God and when we are faced with Him it is obvious.

The people were saying that Jesus was a “great prophet,” but that is not correct. They probably remembered the stories of the prophets in the past who God had answered and raised dead people to life because of their prayers. This is very different, however because Jesus is God and He didn’t have to ask anyone to do it for Him.

The reports of Jesus’ miracles still go out today and He still performs resurrections in the hearts of those who put their faith in Him. The Bible also tells that one day all the Christians who have died will be resurrected at the same time. I predict, based on these verses, that it will be a fearful day for those who are left behind!