This is why Jews are Jews and not Christians, among many other reasons, but I don't think I ever really learned the historical reasoning for the rejection at the time of his death. Whether you believe Jesus is the son of God, he was a real person.
I just don't understand how and why exactly they didn't believe he was the son of God, and how they managed to survive for so long not believing it.
It's worth nothing that the spiritual leaders at the time, the Pharesees, were VERY legalistic. There was a prevailing mindset, that Jesus called out repeatedly. As long as the letter of the law was followed, one could do whatever they wanted, otherwise. This led to grandiose displays of public piety. The original Virtue Signaling.
Now, imagine being in this position, a corrupt official, utterly convinced of your own righteousness. Suddenly, this rabble-rouser shows up who is living up to multiple messianic prophesies, figuratively and literally. He's winning hearts and minds, and is unkind to you and yours, calling out your hypocrisy and insincerity. Is it any wonder they turned on Him?
Granted, some were won over, like Nicodemus. But with the majority of the religious authorities so utterly against Him, it's unsurprising they were able to take swaths of sheep with them.
You forget the Sadducees who said anything was good so long as they held power.
I didn't feel comfortable speaking specifics on them. I don't remember their details quite so well.
Pretend you have the Yassids and the Liberal Jews. Bought the same.