Where was the nation of Israel when Jesus began His earthly ministry?
When Jesus began His earthly ministry, the nation of Israel was in the land—at least part of the promised land, though not all of it yet. They were dwelling in the cities and villages of Israel, where He preached repentance because the kingdom of heaven was at hand and presented Himself as their King.
Les explains that this was all in fulfillment of promises made to Israel through the Abrahamic covenant. The nation was there, in at least part of the promised land, not all of it yet, and Jesus came to present Himself as their King. He went about all the cities and villages of Israel, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, healing every sickness and disease. Later He chose the twelve and commanded them not to go to Gentiles or Samaritans, but rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, showing the narrow frame of reference at that time.