This guided Scripture meditation for Lent leads us to consider where true greatness is found.

So, what does makes someone great?

Power. Influence. Authority. Wealth. Accomplishments.

We know these things don’t really make us great, yet we still desire them. We still strive after them. And we even convince ourselves we will use all this greatness for the good of the Kingdom.

And then, Jesus flips greatness upside down. The way up is really down.

To be great is to serve.

To lower ourselves.  

To open our hands.

To be great is to be like Jesus, the King and the Creator. The One who really did have it all and was truly great.

And he laid it all down to serve us, you and me.

This is the measure of greatness.

And it isn’t easy.



As you listen to this week’s meditation, know that I’m praying for you to embrace God’s definition of greatness for your life. His way is not our way, but His way is always the better way.



This is our fourth Lent meditation. You can find out more about Lent, where it originated, and how Christians traditionally practice it through my free Lent Guide here.

Here’s some additional links to help you learn more about me and to help you create space for God in your life:

You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Instagram @creatingspaceforgod

Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.

Join my Monday email here where I send out links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.

Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

The passage meditated on in this episode is:

Matthew 20:20-28, CSB

20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons approached JESUS with her sons. She knelt down to ask him for something. 21 “What do you want?” he asked her.

“Promise,” she said to him, “that these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right and the other on your left, in your kingdom.”

22 Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”,

“We are able,” they said to him.

23 He told them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right and left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

24 When the ten disciples heard this, they became indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. 26 It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This guided Scripture meditation for Lent leads us to consider where true greatness is found.
So, what does makes someone great?
Power. Influence. Authority. Wealth. Accomplishments.
We know these things don’t really make us great, yet we still desire them. We still strive after them. And we even convince ourselves we will use all this greatness for the good of the Kingdom.
And then, Jesus flips greatness upside down. The way up is really down.
To be great is to serve.
To lower ourselves.  
To open our hands.
To be great is to be like Jesus, the King and the Creator. The One who really did have it all and was truly great.
And he laid it all down to serve us, you and me.
This is the measure of greatness.
And it isn’t easy.
 
As you listen to this week’s meditation, know that I’m praying for you to embrace God’s definition of greatness for your life. His way is not our way, but His way is always the better way.
 
This is our fourth Lent meditation. You can find out more about Lent, where it originated, and how Christians traditionally practice it through my free Lent Guide <a href="https://idyllic-fashion-59593.myflodesk.com/vtp3r2258o">here</a>.
Here’s some additional links to help you learn more about me and to help you create space for God in your life:
You can find Jodie at <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/">http://www.jodieniznik.com/</a>
Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/">@creatingspaceforgod</a>
Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik">@JodieGNiznik</a>
Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal <a href="https://idyllic-fashion-59593.myflodesk.com/qonerec7np">here</a>.
Join my Monday email <a href="https://idyllic-fashion-59593.myflodesk.com/enrpjoz0aa">here</a> where I send out links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.
Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies">here</a>.
The passage meditated on in this episode is:
Matthew 20:20-28, CSB
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons approached JESUS with her sons. She knelt down to ask him for something. 21 “What do you want?” he asked her.
“Promise,” she said to him, “that these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right and the other on your left, in your kingdom.”
22 Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”,
“We are able,” they said to him.
23 He told them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right and left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
24 When the ten disciples heard this, they became indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. 26 It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Welcome to So Much More where we're creating space to be with God. This podcast, hosted by Jodie Niznik, introduces you to two types of bible scripture meditation experiences, Lectio Divina and Imaginative Prayer, and gives you space to practice them. It also creates space to hear what others have experienced in their time with God.

Topics Covered:

📖 What Is Lectio Divina and Why Is It a Helpful Christian Practice
📖 What Is Christian Meditation and How Do We Use Scripture to Practice It
📖 Special Church Seasonal Series Including Lent, Easter, and Advent

If you are a Christian looking for ways to pray more or meditate more on Scripture, be sure to visit Jodie's website, https://www.jodieniznik.com/ for more information! 

Welcome to So Much More where we're creating space to be with God. This podcast, hosted by Jodie Niznik, introduces you to two types of bible scripture meditation experiences, Lectio Divina and Imaginative Prayer, and gives you space to practice them. It also creates space to hear what others have experienced in their time with God.
Topics Covered:
📖 What Is Lectio Divina and Why Is It a Helpful Christian Practice 📖 What Is Christian Meditation and How Do We Use Scripture to Practice It 📖 Special Church Seasonal Series Including Lent, Easter, and Advent
If you are a Christian looking for ways to pray more or meditate more on Scripture, be sure to visit Jodie's website, <a href="https://www.jodieniznik.com/">https://www.jodieniznik.com/</a> for more information!

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