This sermon explains the aftermath of the "Sabbath Controversies" where Jesus healed on the Sabbath and came in conflict with the legalistic rulers of Judiasm. Jesus as the Son of God surprises us by "withdrawing" or retreating from his pursuing persecutors to the Sea of Galilee. Here, he for some time heals ALL who are sick, diseased, or demon possessed. So much was his spreading fame, that people from as far as 120 miles away travel to see and be healed by Jesus. The wisdom, courage, patience, perseverance, and compassion of Jesus to retreat instead of fight and serve rather than be served is truly superhuman and exemplary and to be followed. Despite being crowded, mauled, and pushed, Jesus remained to heal ALL who needed Him. Jesus' used the Sea of Galilee as a way to control the crowds, project His preaching, and if necessary even escape by boat from those seeking to kill Him. Pastor Chad Laird encourages Truth Bible Church to similarly be wise and take times to retreat especially to gain perspective, humility, and ensure that our motives are pure and that we are reflecting all glory and credit to the Lord and not stealing it for ourselves. He encourages those who are thinking about quitting the church or ministry to persevere and to learn to ask not WHY God is allowing hard times, but to ask WHAT the Lord wants us to learn through the trial or difficulty. The sermon concludes with an explanation of the Christian fish/ichthus which early Christians used as a means of discernment in times of retreat and persecution to see who was truly part of them or against them. The Greek word for "fish" is an acrostic of Greek words that shows that someone believes that Jesus is the Christ, God's Son, and Savior of the World:

Ιησους = Iesous = Jesus
Χριστος = Christos = Christ
Θεου = Theou = of God
Υιος = huios = son
Σωτηρ = Soter = Savior

Join Truth Bible Church as they study Mark 3:7-12 and Matthew 12:15-21 and pursue the Biblical goals of knowing, loving, serving, and worshiping the Lord Jesus. Thanks for watching and may God richly bless you as you study and seek to live out His Holy Word! Please visit www.truthbiblechurch.com for sermon notes, outlines, PPTs, and other resources.