The corrupt Jewish authorities could not be relied upon to correctly interpret scripture in this regard. They were motivated by the desire to preserve their own power over Judea and its people, and considered the Messiah to be a challenge to same.
Speaking to the Jews: "And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the Scripture; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ... There is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me."
