And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and to many that were blind he gave sight.
plagues.
1 Kings 8:37 If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be;
Psalm 90:7-9 For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled…
Mark 3:10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
evil spirits.
Jesus healed many people of their diseases
The act of healing is central to Jesus' ministry, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 53:4, which speaks of the Messiah bearing our sicknesses. Healing was a sign of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, showcasing Jesus' compassion and divine authority. The term "diseases" covers a wide range of physical ailments, reflecting the brokenness of the world and the comprehensive nature of Jesus' restorative power.
afflictions
Afflictions can refer to both physical and mental suffering. In the cultural context of the time, illness was often seen as a result of sin or demonic influence. Jesus' healing of afflictions demonstrates His power over both the physical and spiritual realms, challenging contemporary beliefs and showcasing His role as the ultimate healer.
and evil spirits
Casting out evil spirits was a significant aspect of Jesus' ministry, illustrating His authority over the spiritual realm. This act fulfilled prophecies such as Isaiah 61:1, which speaks of setting captives free. It also prefigures the ultimate defeat of Satan and his forces, as seen in Revelation 20:10. Jesus' exorcisms were a direct confrontation with the powers of darkness, affirming His identity as the Son of God.
and He gave sight to many who were blind
Restoring sight to the blind is a powerful symbol of spiritual enlightenment and salvation. In the Old Testament, blindness often symbolized spiritual ignorance or judgment (Isaiah 42:7). Jesus' miracles of giving sight not only fulfilled messianic prophecies (Isaiah 35:5) but also pointed to His mission to bring spiritual light to a darkened world. This act is a type of the greater spiritual awakening that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him.
- The phrase highlights immediacy. Jesus does not delay; He responds in the moment.
- This timeframe connects directly to John’s disciples standing nearby (Luke 7:18-20). They were sent to ask whether Jesus is “the One who was to come.” The instant display of power is a living answer.
- Similar “now” moments appear in Luke 5:25 (“Immediately he rose up before them”) and Mark 5:29, underscoring that Christ’s authority operates in real time.
- The word “many” points to abundance, not selectivity. Anyone coming to Him in need found help (cf. Matthew 12:15; Luke 4:40).
- Healing is tangible evidence of the Messiah’s compassion (Mark 1:41) and His fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:4).
- Note the personal touch in other scenes—He lays hands on lepers (Luke 5:13) and speaks a word to a centurion’s servant (Luke 7:10). Whether touching or speaking, His power is absolute.
- “Diseases” covers physical maladies.
- “Afflictions” (often translated “torments”) includes chronic pain and debilitating conditions such as paralysis (Luke 5:18-26).
- “Evil spirits” reveals the spiritual realm is no match for Christ. He rebukes demons in Luke 4:35 and frees a Gerasene demoniac in Luke 8:26-35.
- The three terms together show total dominion—body, mind, and spirit. Isaiah 61:1-2 foretold that Messiah would bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim liberty to captives; Jesus is doing exactly that.
- Opening blind eyes fulfills messianic prophecy (Isaiah 35:5; 42:7).
- Physical sight mirrors spiritual sight. In John 9:39 Jesus says, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see.”
- The repetition of “many” stresses generosity. No scarcity, no favoritism—anyone in darkness who comes to Him is illuminated (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Luke 7:21 records a single moment packed with proof: Jesus instantly, abundantly, and comprehensively restores broken humanity. Physical disease, relentless suffering, demonic oppression, and blindness all bow to His command. The scene answers John’s question and ours—yes, Jesus is the promised Messiah, wielding divine authority with compassionate urgency, fulfilling Scripture to the letter, and offering wholeness to all who come.
(21) And in that same hour he cured . . . The statement of the facts is peculiar to St. Luke, and obviously adds much force to our Lord's answer. He pointed to what was passing before the eyes of the questioners.Plagues.--See Note on Mark 3:10.
Verse 21. - And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. "He knew as God what John's design was in sending to him, and he put it into his heart to send at that very time when he himself was working many miracles which were the true answer to the question" (Cyril, quoted by Wordsworth).