False Teacher

Jesse Duplantis

Prosperity showman who requested $54 million for a private jet

Biography

Jesse Duplantis is an American televangelist and founder of Jesse Duplantis Ministries based in Louisiana. He is one of the most flamboyant prosperity preachers, known for his Cajun humor, theatrical preaching style, and extreme materialism. He lives in a 35,000 sq ft mansion, owns multiple private jets, and infamously requested $54 million from followers for a Dassault Falcon 7X jet, claiming 'Jesus wouldn't be riding a donkey today — He'd be in an airplane.' He claims to have visited heaven and spoken directly with Jesus, Abraham, and the apostles — convenient 'revelations' that always confirm his prosperity theology. His teaching turns God into a cosmic ATM who funds any purchase believers desire, contradicting Scripture's warnings about the love of money.

Biblical Assessment

Every preacher is tested against our 5-point biblical framework. Here's how Jesse Duplantis measures up:

Title & Authority

VERDICT: FAIL

Self-appointed evangelist and teacher. Claims direct conversations with God and visits to heaven that conveniently support his prosperity theology. No biblical accountability structure.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Matthew 7:15, Jeremiah 23:16

Gospel Message

VERDICT: FAIL

Teaches that God is a financial provider who funds any purchase a believer desires. Replaces repentance and sanctification with material acquisition. The gospel becomes a wealth scheme. His claim that Jesus would fly in jets today mocks the humble Messiah who had 'nowhere to lay His head' (Matt 8:20).

Scripture:

Luke 12:15, Matthew 8:20, 1 Timothy 6:5-10

Fruit & Lifestyle

VERDICT: FAIL

Lives in a 35,000 sq ft mansion, owns multiple private jets, and requested $54 million from followers for a Dassault Falcon 7X. The extravagance contradicts Christ's example of humble service. He lives like a king while asking poor followers to fund his lifestyle.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 6:9-10, James 5:1-6, Matthew 6:24

Revelation vs. Scripture

VERDICT: FAIL

Claims personal visits to heaven where he met Jesus, Abraham, and Paul. These 'revelations' always conveniently confirm his prosperity theology. He elevates personal experience above Scripture and uses theatrical storytelling to captivate audiences.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:14, Colossians 2:18, Galatians 1:8

Finances & Transparency

VERDICT: FAIL

Refuses to join the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Lives in extreme luxury while asking followers to fund private jets. Teaches 'seed faith' giving that primarily enriches himself. The $54 million jet request epitomizes his financial exploitation.

Scripture:

2 Peter 2:3, Romans 13:8, 1 Timothy 6:10

Key Quotes

These statements from Jesse Duplantis reveal doctrinal error.

"I've never had the Lord say, 'I want you to have this, but you can't have it till you get the money.' He always says, 'Go get it, I'll pay for it.'"

— Jesse Duplantis

Violates: Luke 12:15, Romans 13:8, Proverbs 22:7

Source: Voice of the Covenant magazine, November 1997, p. 5

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"I really believe that if Jesus was physically on the earth today, he wouldn't be riding a donkey. He'd be in an airplane flying all over the world."

— Jesse Duplantis

Violates: Matthew 8:20, Matthew 21:5, Philippians 2:5-8

Source: Interview requesting $54 million jet, 2018

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View all 3 quotes with full scripture refutation →

Sources & References

All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:

•Voice of the Covenant magazine (November 1997)
•Close Encounters of the God Kind (book/video)
•Jesse Duplantis Ministries broadcasts
•TBN and Daystar Television appearances
•Public fundraising appeals for $54 million jet (2018)

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