Episode Details

There's a woman mentioned in Matthew 8 who appears in exactly two sentences — and then never again. No name. No backstory. No follow-up. But Matthew went out of his way to include her. And what she did next after Jesus touched her life might be the most important lesson in the entire chapter. She got up and she served. Not because she had to. Because she wanted to. In this message, Pastor Ryan wraps up the summer "That's Crazy" series by asking a question that cuts close: what invitation from Jesus have you been saying no to — not because you don't love him, but because you've been so focused on what it might cost you that you never considered what God wants to give you on the other side of your yes? 📖 *Scripture Reference:* Matthew 8:14-15, Titus 2:14, Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 10:39, Proverbs 24:16, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Proverbs 11:25, John 13 💡 *Big Idea:* Peter's mother-in-law shows us that the natural response to encountering grace is service — not obligation, but overflow. When we say no to serving, we don't just miss out on impacting others. We miss out on the life, relationships, formation, and fulfillment God has waiting for us. ❤️ *Key Quote:* "You're never going to discover God's purpose for your life if you're unwilling to participate in God's work." ⸻ 📚 *Topics in this Message:* The things we resist most often become the things we appreciate most Matthew 8:14-15 — Peter's mother-in-law and a response that changes everything Why Matthew specifically singled her out in the middle of a crowd of healings The word "serve" in the original Greek — same root as "deacon" (practical and spiritual) Grace doesn't just forgive us — it reshapes what we value Four things we miss when we say no to Jesus's invitation Miss #1: The life you were created to live (purpose vs. comfort) The grand piano used as a dining room table — and what it means for your calling Miss #2: People in your corner — Proverbs 24:16 and Ecclesiastes 4 Miss #3: Becoming who God wants you to be — John 13 and the disciples' feet There are things God can only teach us while we serve Miss #4: Seeing God work through you — and the text message from a Liberty volunteer +++++++ Join us for church this Sunday. For service times and meeting location please visit https://transformtlh.com/