Matthew 6:16
Armenian 2019
What Does This Mean?
In Matthew 6:16, Jesus teaches that fasting should not be done to impress others. He warns against making a sad face or trying to look miserable so people notice your fasting. The key message is that true devotion comes from the heart and doesn’t need outward show.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game where everyone pretends they don't like candy, but only because they think it'll make them look cool. Jesus says this isn't right when we fast. He wants us to be sincere, not just trying to impress others with our sad faces.
Historical Background
Matthew wrote his Gospel in the late first century for a primarily Jewish-Christian audience. This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus addresses common religious practices like fasting and gives deeper spiritual meaning to them. In ancient Jewish culture, fasting was seen as a way to show devotion.
Living It Out Today
Consider a scenario where someone posts on social media about giving up something for Lent but makes sure everyone knows it. This verse reminds us that our actions should be genuinely motivated by faith rather than seeking admiration or praise from others.