Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ?

The inhabitants of Jerusalem reason based upon their knowledge:

  1. the rulers (Jews) have a plot to kill Jesus
  2. Jesus is within their grasp and speaking openly
  3. the rulers are doing nothing
  4. thus the rulers may think that Jesus is the Messiah

However, the form of their question expects a negative answer; they are suggesting the possibility but do not think it to be the case as, indeed, it is not.