Part 3 of the Series: "Now That's Why You Don't Have Any Friends"
Psalm 2:2 KJV
[2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord , and against his anointed, saying...

"Oh boy!" What floors me about the events surrounding Jesus's ministry is that the chief religious leaders of that time knew he was the Messiah. Messiah is from a Hebrew word, that means the anointed or chosen one, the Greek equivalent word is Christ. In English the word Messiah and Christ are essentially interchangeable.
Messiah = Anointed = Christ
How do I know the jewish people of Jesus time knew that Jesus was, the chosen one, The Christ? Because they admitted that Jesus was God's messenger on several occasions. Here are a few of examples:
(A). Remember Matthews record of the Wise Men at Jesus birth when King Herod consulted the Pharisee priest and scribes? It is clearly evident that they knew!
Matthew 2:3-4 KJV
[3] When Herod the king had heard these things , he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. [4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
(B). Remember Mark details that they knew just a few days before the Pharisees captured Jesus to be crucified and Jesus was warning them against rejecting him? Yes, the same crowd in example (A) is still trying to catch and kill Jesus, but once again they acknowledge the truth of what Jesus has taught.
Mark 12:13-14 KJV
[13] And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. [14] And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: ...

(C). RememberJohn's recording of the "Nic at Night" conversation with Jesus? It's quite clear that Nic Knew!
John 3:1-2 KJV
[1] There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: [2] The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
(D) Just in case any doubt remains that they knew Jesus was the Messiah, let's have it in the words of the common people of that time and clarified by Jesus himself:
John 7:25-32 KJV
[25] Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? [26] But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? [27] Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. [28] Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. [29] But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. [30] Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. [31] And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? [32] The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
So, if they knew Jesus was "The Messiah", why didn't his own religious leaders bow down and worship Him? Here are Two Answers: (1) Because Jesus did not come in the way the Jewish leaders wanted him too! (2) Because even though they knew Jesus was "The Messiah", they did not believe he was "The Son of God".

John 1:11-13 KJV
[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not. [12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.