This Sunday at Likewise

Blessed - “The Devotion of a Fisher of Men”

Matthew 6:16-18

“Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God.” - John Piper

Last week we looked at one of the most known passages from the Sermon on the Mount - the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus was pointing out the hypocrisy of those who seek attention for things that should be considered private. He does this with giving, with prayer, and now this week we will see - with fasting. Each of these He points out two sides to the same action. Each time He begins with, “do not do as the hypocrites do, but instead….” And - Each time Jesus is pointing to the hypocritical intent of drawing attention and “spot-lighting” personal humility.

This week we will focus on one of the least common, and least understood of the three - fasting. We will look at the purpose of fasting, the ways it was used then, and why it is still important for you & I today. We will also see why Jesus highlighted this and placed it in the same place as prayer and giving. We will look at how Jesus keeps His priority on the heart transformation of His followers rather than on what they do.

Fasting is not simply, “doing without” but rather a conscious and disciplined focus on denying ourselves so we seek God! It is not to just be “empty or weak” but to be filled with God and seek His strength. It is a tangible and powerful way to follow God completely, seek Him only, and desire His will and kingdom- instead of our own.

I am looking forward to this Sunday as we look the next passage in the Sermon on the Mount.

See you at Likewise,

Pastor Josh

HEAD – What We Need to Know

Encouragement: Jesus teaches that when we fast, we are to wash our face and anoint our head so that no one can tell we are fasting — except our Father, who sees and rewards us. Jesus cares more about your heart in fasting than the performance of fasting.

Challenge: True devotion is hidden devotion — done for God’s eyes, not man’s applause. Let your knowledge of His promise guide your heart to keep your fasting private and train your desires toward God and away from the pull of the flesh.

HEART – What We Need to Believe

Encouragement: Fasting helps us feel our deep need for God — it stirs up hunger for His presence and reminds us that “man does not live on bread alone.” This is a way to love Him with our whole heart, saying, “God, You are what I want most.”

Challenge: Let your fasting reveal what truly controls your heart. When you feel the pull of hunger or craving, turn it into prayer: “Father, I want You more than this.” Allow fasting to train your heart to long for God’s kingdom first.

HANDS – What We Need to Do

Encouragement: When you fast, follow Jesus’ words — wash your face, keep your appearance normal, and seek God with gladness. Let your actions point to Him, not to yourself. Fasting becomes a practice of reorienting your body and soul toward God’s presence, saying with your actions, “My deepest hunger is for You.”

Challenge: Choose a time to fast this week — food, technology, comfort — and use that time to pray and seek God’s will. Keep it private and let it be an offering of devotion to your Father.

Likewise Sermons

Blessed -The Devotion of a Fisher of Men

Date: Sep 28, 2025

Category: Bible, Disciple, Sermon on the Mount

Speaker: Josh Burt

Passages: Matthew 6:16-18

Last week we looked at one of the most known passages from the Sermon on the Mount - the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus was pointing out the hypocrisy of those who seek attention for things that should be considered private. He does this with giving, with prayer, and now this week we will see - with fasting. Each of these He points out two sides to the same action. Each time He begins with, “do not do as the hypocrites do, but instead….” And - Each time Jesus is pointing to the hypocritical intent of drawing attention and “spot-lighting” personal humility.

This week we will focus on one of the least common, and least understood of the three - fasting. We will look at the purpose of fasting, the ways it was used then, and why it is still important for you & I today. We will also see why Jesus highlighted this and placed it in the same place as prayer and giving. We will look at how Jesus keeps His priority on the heart transformation of His followers rather than on what they do.

Fasting is not simply, “doing without” but rather a conscious and disciplined focus on denying ourselves so we seek God! It is not to just be “empty or weak” but to be filled with God and seek His strength. It is a tangible and powerful way to follow God completely, seek Him only, and desire His will and kingdom- instead of our own.