Encountering Jesus’s Counter-Cultural Values | Lent Meditation Matthew 18:1-5
In this Lent Scripture meditation, we’ll engage in Lectio Divina, a slow, reflective way of reading Scripture, to experience a moment when Jesus challenges our assumptions about power and greatness.
NOTE: I’ve created a free Lent Journal to help you reflect and pray through each meditation. It includes the Scripture passages, reflection prompts, and space to process your time with the Lord. You can download it here.
At this point in Jesus’s ministry, the disciples have seen His miracles, heard His teachings, and are beginning to understand that He is the Messiah. But as we see in Matthew 18:1-5, they still assume He’s bringing an earthly kingdom—and they’re eager to know what positions of power they’ll hold.
Instead of rebuking them, Jesus responds with a living illustration. He calls a child to stand among them and teaches that true greatness isn’t about status or control—it’s about humility, dependence, and trust.
Through this guided Scripture meditation, you’ll have space to:
- Identify where you’re tempted to seek status, control, or recognition.
- Notice what God is highlighting in this passage for you today.
- Consider what’s holding you back from trusting Him fully.
- Rest in the truth that God’s way—even when it feels upside down—is always best.
Take a moment to pause, reflect, and open your heart to Jesus’s invitation to live with childlike faith.
Here are some additional helpful links:
Download your free LENT guide here.
You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/
Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik
Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik
Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here.
Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.
Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com.
Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.
The Entire meditation text is:
Matthew 18:1-5, NET
The disciples came to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, had him stand among them, and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven! Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
