There are two different reactions to Jesus' miracle. The first reaction, that of "the crowds", is one of surprise. The second reaction, that of the Pharisees, is one of criticism and rejection. Neither reaction constitutes faith in Jesus, but at least "the crowds" are closer to receiving the grace of faith than the Pharisees are.

Surprise is not faith. We may read a little between the lines of Matthew's account and hear the delight in the crowd's astonishment, especially as they realized that there is something new here, something that had never been seen in Israel, so something that God had not yet done for them. There is at least a slight but unexpressed recognition that God was at work in their presence. "Joy in the things of the Lord", according to Saint Ignatius, is one of the elements of spiritual consolation. Where God's consolation is given and experienced, faith will not be long in blossoming.

The Pharisees, on the other hand, suffer from spiritual blindness and are unable to be surprised and delighted at Jesus' great act of mercy.