What does Matthew 9:8 mean?

This is the third time Matthew describes the reaction to one of Jesus' miracles as fear. First the disciples marveled in fear when Jesus calmed a savage storm on the Sea of Galilee with a single rebuke (Matthew 8:23–27). Then the Gentiles who lived near the demon-possessed men freed by Jesus were afraid after He sent the demons into a herd of pigs (Matthew 8:28–34). Now the crowds are afraid after seeing Jesus heal a paralyzed man after stating that He was proving His authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:2–7).

There are interesting differences in each of these incidents, regarding what those who were afraid chose to do next. The disciples did not leave, but they left open the question of who Jesus was (Matthew 8:27). The Gentiles begged Jesus to just leave them alone (Matthew 8:34).

The crowd who has witnessed this healing, however, made the choice to give glory to God in response to Jesus' display of power. Specifically, they glorified the God who had given such authority to men. Scripture doesn't tell us exactly how many—if any—fully understood that Jesus had this authority as the Son of God Himself. Still, the impulse to glorify God was the best reaction to seeing a fearful miracle up close and in person.