Why did Jesus approach Israel the way He did?
Jesus approached Israel as the King presenting the Kingdom of Heaven, which was at hand because the King was present. His method fulfilled the covenants God had promised to the nation, offering the promised Kingdom that would be on earth wherever the King is.
Les explains that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand because the King Himself was present. Wherever the King is, there is the Kingdom; when the King went back to heaven at the ascension of Abraham, the Kingdom will be on earth. So Jesus' whole scope of approaching the nation of Israel was in fulfillment of the covenants—that is what was promised. John the Baptist came as the voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord and making His paths straight, as Isaiah spoke. People were baptized by him in Jordan, confessing their sins. Les also notes that baptism is a subject that causes controversy, anger, and disruption of fellowship in Christianity.