Even with all of the corrective writings and teachings we have available, the image of the devil as a horned and hoofed imp with a pointed tail and crooked grin originated as a combination of early Jewish literature (from the connection between sin/evil and goats) and Greek mythology (descriptions of characters like Pan). Because of this it is hard to get the red, evil-looking, head-flanked-with-horns image out of our mind when we read the words, “the devil.” And as frightening as this personification is, it is not frightening enough to truly capture the reality of the biblical idea of “the devil.”

We’ve grown far too settled being “afraid” of images and manifestations of evil that look like scenes from The Exorcist, while being pretty comfortable with the way the enemy actually works; which is not to scare our mind but to rob our soul. What I’m saying is this: there is absolutely a devil we should be very concerned about, but that devil isn’t a scary, demonic manifestation, it is the internal war strategically waged on our heart (see note at bottom for theological clarity on this statement).

In Luke 8 Jesus tells His disciples the well know parable of the sower. The sower goes out and seems to throw seed everywhere. Indiscriminately slinging grain all over the place seems like an odd strategy, but this probably points to the character of the God who is not withholding or stingy, but whose grace and good news truly is freely given to all, not just to some who were chosen beforehand. 

In the parable (Luke 8:4-8) Jesus says of the first batch of seed, it “fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and birds of the air devoured it.” But immediately after telling the parable to the people Jesus’ disciples had the opportunity to ask Him what He was talking about. And this is another great comfort. Because if the people closest to Jesus, who heard Him preach in person were struggling to understand what He meant it gives me great hope that my own struggles understanding the Bible are not new and I’m in relatively good company.

So, when Jesus explains this parable to His small group  (Luke 8:9-15) He opens a door of insight for us – He actually opens several doors, but this is the one for today. He says, “I told you the first seed sowed was stepped on and then taken by the birds. But what I was talking about was the work of the devil.”

Whoah. Hold on Jesus. The devil? THE devil?

Well, yes. But not necessarily “that” devil. Not the personification of evil that took on the mashup form of a dragon, goat and Pan. Not the costume that used to get kids kicked out of “harvest festivals” and “fall flings” (or whatever other names were used to avoid saying Halloween). No, if the Greek language Luke uses tells us anything we see the situation is far more nefarious that “that” devil, and it’s more serious because “this” devil is also far more common. The word (diabolos) doesn’t mean, “fallen, fairy-looking monster with beady eyes and pointy tail.” The word means, “slanderer,” and “false accuser.” 

And let’s be honest. We’ve encountered a lot more accusation and slander in our world than hoofed monsters, haven’t we? Which means we are actually affected more by this devil than we might think, not less. In a world constantly trying to minimize the devil by making a garish cartoon character out of him, Jesus will not trivialize the legitimacy of the enemy we all face.

So, looking at Jesus’ parable through the lens of His explanation, what are we left with? What is it exactly that crushes the seed of the gospel and then robs it before it can be effective? 

• False accusation. 
• Slander. 
• Guilt. 
• Condemnation. 
• Mental and spiritual battles with clingy shame and fear of living under the cloud of a ruined reputation.

These ideas have greater congruity with what Jesus says than with our “boogeyman” devil.

These conditions, mindsets and lies are what “trample” the seed of the good news God has given us out of His love and kindness. These stubborn attacks are thieves, aggressively abducting the very joy God has provided us. 

Accusation is a destroyer of applied grace. Condemnation is a plunderer of gladness.

So what if we allowed Jesus’ teaching in Luke 8 to work in us? What if, instead of simply reading this story, we applied this parable? What would it look like to meet head on the feelings of emptiness and melancholy, guilt and remorse, by calling out their real source? Not trying to address the red devil we often blame, but calling out the enemy of our lives as it uses accusation and condemnation to crush and steal what God has already given us?

Here’s a practical problem, praying against the cultural idea of the cartoon devil renders us nearly powerless. Those prayers devolve into things like: “God please defeat the devil because I can’t.” 

But praying with clarity regarding what Jesus actually said about this foe equips us with power: “God may Your forgiveness and Your lovingkindness, which I’ve been freely given through the finished work of Jesus, settle so deeply into my spirit and may it so profoundly transform the condition of my heart and mind that every bit of ‘good news seed’ You’ve give me would be protected from the false accusations and spiritual condemnation of my enemy!”

The first prayer is pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking that tries to invoke comfort through feeling better about not having any responsibility. And this typically results in an ineffectual mindset and feelings of futility.

The second prayer takes the revelation of the Scriptures, addresses the root of the attack, and invites victory through the power of truth.

Note: Please don’t hear what I’m not saying in this piece. Jesus speaks of “Satan” (the accuser) in Luke 10:18, and in Isaiah 14:12 we read of the fallen “Lucifer” (the morning star). So in none of this am I rejecting the idea of an actual being. However, the meanings of the names “devil” and “satan” are as important for us practically as the fact that there is a fallen being. Why do both of the most common names for this being mean “accuser” and “slanderer?” Because more than just a fallen being named Satan, “the satan” is a spiritual strategy that was seen clearly in the Garden of Eden. This strategy is to confuse minds and separate humans from their Creator and all He has for them through accusation, condemnation and confusion.