When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:13)

              The season of Lent traditionally begins with the story of Jesus’ “Temptation in the Wilderness.” It’s in this wilderness where Jesus encounters “the devil” who offers him an instant end to his hunger, the possibility of ruling the world, and the temptation to “prove” his identity as God’s Chosen One. Each time, Jesus sees right through the devil’s intent and rebukes each temptation with an appeal to scripture.

              Jesus knew who the devil was, and he knew how to fight.

              How about you and I?

              Based upon pictures I’ve seen, from great works of art to cheesy Sunday school lessons, humankind has seemed pretty certain the devil and all demons and evil spirits are easy to identify. They are ugly, misshapen creatures with horns and tails and skin the color of fire. But is that just wishful thinking? If the devil is so easy to see, why are we so often taken in by our own temptations?

              I would note that the devil offered Jesus pretty much everything Jesus could have wanted in that moment. He had been fasting and surely was hungry, so the devil offered him bread. He was sharing the good news that the kingdom of God is near, so the devil offered him to be king. He was trying to get people to see God’s kingdom and follow him there, so the devil showed him how he could prove to the world that he was the Messiah. Here you go, Jesus, everything you could ask for can be yours.

              Maybe we should be a little more cautious when we are offered everything we think we want. Look again and we may find the devil is actually the most beautiful creature in the world. Turn back to the scriptures and remember God’s way. When we are offered just the opposite, maybe that’s how we know who the devil really is.