How did Les describe Israel's condition during the early signs in John?
Israel's condition during the early signs in John was marked by being without joy, sick, and impotent, yet still having a flicker of hope to recognize the Messiah. Through the first three or four signs, the nation could have repented, recognized Him, and experienced the fruition of all the promises.
Les teaches that in the early part of these signs, Israel is without joy, sick, and impotent, but the nation still has a flicker of hope to recognize the Messiah. He explains that all through the first three or four signs, the nation is still in a position where they could have repented, could have recognized who He was, and could have experienced the fruition of all the promises. He adds that as Christ made His appearance to Israel, at least based on the Old Testament promises, they could have had the King and the Kingdom had they just believed Him. But by the account of Lazarus, it becomes evident they are not going to accept Him.