How is Israel described during the early signs in John's Gospel?
During the early signs in John’s Gospel, Israel is described as without joy, sick, and impotent, yet still having a flicker of hope to recognize the Messiah. The nation remained in a position where it could have repented, recognized Him, and experienced the fulfillment of the promises.
Les explains that the first seven signs were directed at the nation of Israel and occurred before His crucifixion. In the early signs, Israel is without joy, sick, and impotent, but the nation still has a flicker of hope to recognize the Messiah. He says that as Christ made His appearance to Israel, based on the Old Testament promises, they could have had the King and the Kingdom if they had believed Him. God in His foreknowledge knew they would reject it, so everything fell into place to fulfill the eternal purposes of God, which was the cross. Les calls this a valid offer: they could have had the King, but they refused to see Him. All through the first three or four signs, the nation could have repented, recognized who He was, and experienced the fruition of all the promises. By the account of Lazarus, it becomes evident they would not accept Him.