God, A Troll, & Consent

I am SO thankful for internet trolls! While scrolling social media recently, I came across a comment on one of the sermon clips that made me pause. It had nothing to do with the sermon, but the comment asked: “Did God ask Mary for consent before placing a baby in her womb?”

At first glance, this may sound like internet trolling, and often online comments are meant more to provoke than to genuinely seek truth. But sometimes difficult or even hostile questions can push us to think more deeply. Rather than immediately dismissing the question, I wanted to consider it carefully.

This question matters because we live in a culture that has become increasingly aware of abuse, power, manipulation, and the importance of consent. Movements like Me Too have exposed the painful reality that authority can be abused, particularly by men in positions of power. Because of this cultural awareness, questions about consent are not always inappropriate. Sometimes they reveal real concerns about justice, dignity, and character.

So, what happens when that question is aimed at God?

Did God force Mary into something against her will, or does Luke’s Gospel reveal something deeper about God’s nature?

To answer that, we must go to Scripture.

Luke 1:26–38 (ESV)

Discussion:
Notice carefully what happens in this passage:
• God sends Gabriel to Mary.
• Mary is informed, not violated.
• Mary asks questions.
• Mary receives answers.
• Mary responds: “Let it be to me according to your word.”

This does not read like a divine assault. It reads like divine revelation, invitation, and willing submission.

Mary is not portrayed as powerless property. She is a thoughtful, faithful servant who responds to God’s call with trust.

This does not erase the complexity of power differences between Creator and creation, but it does challenge the accusation that God acts with evil intent. Scripture consistently presents God’s character as holy, just, and good.

Is God asking permission, or inviting participation?