What Did Jesus Do? Understanding the Work of Christ

So often, we think of the work of Christ as something that began when He was baptized in the Jordan River around the age of thirty. In reality, however, the work of Christ began in eternity past in the covenant of redemption. In this lecture, Dr. Sproul explains how the humiliation of Christ in His incarnation and crucifixion, and the exaltation of Christ in His resurrection and ascension are both grounded in the eternal covenant among the persons of the Trinity.

Throughout the Old Testament, God's major redemptive acts were celebrated in song. The Song of Moses in Exodus 15 celebrated the redemption of Israel from Egypt. The Song of Deborah in Judges 5 celebrated the defeat of the Canaanites. These and other songs are found throughout Israel's history—many in the book of Psalms. All of these earlier redemptive acts, however, paled in comparison to the incarnation of the Son. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul looks at three songs that celebrated the coming of the Messiah.

The New Testament tells us very little about the years between Jesus' birth and the beginning of His ministry. The gospel of Luke contains the one significant account that exists—the story of Jesus' visit to the temple at the age of twelve. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains what we can learn about the person and work of Christ from this brief narrative.

After four hundred years of silence, the voice of prophecy resumed in Israel with the arrival of John the Baptist. He came, calling all Israel to repent and be baptized. Jesus' baptism by John marks the official beginning of His public ministry. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul looks closely at the baptism of Jesus, explaining how significant it was in his life and how relevant it is for our salvation.

Immediately after His baptism, Jesus is driven into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. We are reminded here not only of Israel's testing in the wilderness, but of the original test—the temptation of Adam. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul compares and contrasts the temptations of the first Adam and the second Adam, explaining how the results of each rested on whether trust was placed in the Word of God.

At the beginning of the gospel of John, the apostle declares, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory." It is very likely that John is referring here to the transfiguration of Christ, that moment when the glory theretofore concealed was revealed to Jesus' closest disciples. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul looks at the account of the transfiguration, explaining its significance in the ministry of Christ.

When "the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee" triumphantly entered into Jerusalem, He did so in fulfillment of an Old Testament promise that Israel's king would come to the city riding a donkey. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul will examine Jesus' three mediatorial offices, not only as our prophet and king, but as our high priest as well.

In the Old Testament, the Passover lamb distinguished the people of God from the unbelieving Egyptians. The Passover also marked Israel's redemption from Egypt. The Old Testament prophets described the future redemption of Israel in terms of a new exodus. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul looks at the Last Supper, showing how Christ is our Passover lamb in this meal that marks the arrival of the greater exodus, redemption from slavery to sin and death.

The apex of Christ's redemptive work occurred when He was nailed to the cross and bore the penalty due to us. His crucifixion was an act of propitiation, satisfying the justice of God. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains what happened on the cross, how Christ was both a propitiation for sin and our redeemer.

The Jewish and Roman leaders probably breathed a sigh of relief after Jesus died on the cross. They were finally rid of this man who had exposed their evil and hypocrisy. Or so they thought. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul looks at the redemptive significance of the resurrection of Jesus, explaining how it is at the very core of the Christian faith.

Christians spend a great deal of time thinking about the birth, death, resurrection, and Second Coming of Jesus, but the ascension of Christ is often overlooked. Yet the ascension was the event that marked Christ's enthronement, His return to glory. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains why the ascension of Christ is so significant.

At the ascension of Christ, the disciples were promised that Jesus would come again, and the second coming of Christ has remained the church's blessed hope ever since. The second coming has also been the source of great controversy. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains some of the basic facts concerning the second coming, while at the same time dispelling some common misconceptions.