What did Jesus tell the nation of Israel to prepare for during His ministry?
During His ministry, Jesus told the nation of Israel to prepare for the coming earthly Kingdom over which their Messiah would reign as King, not for heaven or a glory land. The promises to Israel were earthly, so their expectation centered on this coming Kingdom.
Les explains that throughout the Old Testament God never speaks of the nation of Israel going to heaven. When they die or when the nation becomes a full participant in the covenant promise, it is always on the earth, and all of God's promises to Israel are earthly promises. When Christ begins to minister to the nation of Israel, it is the same thing. Jesus does not tell them to prepare for the glory land; they are to prepare for the coming Kingdom of which their Messiah is going to be the King. That Kingdom is an earthly Kingdom.