These men were intelligent about earthy things,
so why were they blinded about spiritual things?

Jesus asked them, "How can ye believe, which
receive honor one of another, and seek not the
honor that cometh from God only?"
John 5:44

Apparently their pride made them see a differ-
ent kind of Messiah. One that would relieve
them from the Romans and make them the
world power which would also make them great.
They wanted a Messiah who would defeat their
enemies.

This pride made it impossible for them to accept
such a Messiah as Jesus.