On Easter Sunday at Joel’s Church, It was All About YOU!

Anyone who knows about Joel Osteen knows his constant message is all about “YOU,” well established by his book titles: Become a Better YOU: Seven Keys to Improving YOUR Life, YOUR Best Life Now, and It’s YOUR Time. Last week (March 30 post) I warned “as Easter nears, I am afraid that many well-intentioned pastors’ sermons will make Jesus’ death more about us than about Him.” This is what Joel Osteen did.

Joel’s message to his audience of 50,000 in Houston and countless thousands around the world (his TV program is now seen in 100 countries) focused entirely on the benefits of Jesus’ resurrection for YOU; so now YOU can accomplish YOUR goals and realizeYOUR dreams. What I found most offensive, however, was Joel’s comparison of our trials to Jesus death on the cross. Specifically, Joel said “you may be experiencing your ‘Friday’ (the day of despair) but I promise you your resurrection day is just around the corner.” The notion of comparing Jesus’ torture and death by Roman executioners (as He took on the sins of the world and was forsaken by His Father) to your disappointments is so self-centered, it is absurd (as though Jesus was just having a bad day!).

Joel made no attempt to teach the meaning of the cross for mankind—remission of sins, the defeat of Satan, and the promise of victory over sin: a resurrection message without any mention of Christ's atonement. Jesus said “If I be lifted up I will draw all men to myself.” Jesus was not lifted up in Houston this last Sunday morning but YOU were.