What the Devil Doesn’t Have

The devil knows all the rules. The devil knows all the Bible verses. He probably knows them better than you do (certainly better than I do).

He knows them so well that here, in today’s Gospel, he thinks he can outsmart the Son of God. He thinks he can out-argue him.

See, the thing you need to know about the devil is that he could have a master’s degree in theology. Maybe even a doctorate. But have you ever met a master’s student, or even a doctoral one, who doesn’t have a particular passion for what they’re studying? I sure have.

The devil didn’t rebel against God because he didn’t understand God’s will. He rebelled because he understood God’s will perfectly — and he didn’t like it.

The devil knows that Jesus is human, and so in today’s Gospel he employs all the very best tricks he has for getting humans to break. Physical hunger. Insecurity and a desire for power. The yearning to appear learned and wise.

The devil will try these things with us, too — this Lent, and throughout our lives.

It doesn’t work with Jesus, because, of course, Jesus is not just human. He can feel temptation, but he will not submit to it. But how are we supposed to do the same? We’re not divine. We’re just human.

Well, here’s the thing. We may be only human, but as Christians, we have a secret weapon. (No, it’s not a master’s degree in theology. Some of you may have that, but it probably doesn’t make you holier.)

We have a love of what the devil has renounced — those things belonging solely to God. Truth. Joy. Humility. Sanctifying sacrifice.

Let the love of those things carry you through this Lent, and beyond.

©LPi