Then he consented…

John the Baptist was baptizing many on the Jordan, and Jesus appeared asking to be baptized by John.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And Jesus was baptized…” Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬, ‭13‬-‭167a ESV‬‬

John the Baptist came face-to-face with a Holy God, and he consented.

The battle of man is consenting.

Man desires their own will. My wants. My desires. My rules. My life.

This is the cry of humanity. Listen to the sayings that float around culture today.

“Be your own, true self.”

“You do you.”

“I want to be seen.”

To consent or submit has a negative connotation.

This is why the Gospel pierces the heart of humanity. When one comes face-to-face with a Holy God, one consents.

This is the pattern in the Bible.

Moses consented. Noah consented. Peter consented. Mary Magdalene consented. Paul consented. And, on and on and on.

They consented because they realized who they were compared to God.

In Isaiah 6, he speaks of a vision as he is sitting before the throne of God. He describes a holy scene. He is overcome and exclaims.

“Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

There is only one response before a Holy God.

Consenting opens the door for God to work in one’s life.

Noah consented and built the Ark, saving his family in the flood.

Moses consented and rescued 2 million people out of slavery.

Paul consented and traveled the world introducing many to Christ.

Peter consented and preached to 3k+ people facing certain death after Jesus died on the cross. He lived with no fear.

Mary Magdalene consented and was miraculously healed from demons.

Paul was healed and traveled the world.

To consent is a cry of humility. Not my will but your will.

And, consenting to God is a never-ending battle. Every day, every area.

Open every door in your life and consent. He will do amazing things.

But, the most amazing thing was already done.

The Cross.

Impact others. Live generously.