Jews claim they Killed Jesus the Messenger Of Allah

[ali achinxo]

Salam Alaykum brothers.

The Jews did not believe that Jesus was a Prophet, that's why they rejected him and tried to kill him but failed. But what i want to know is in this ayah the Jews are quoted as saying they killed Jesus THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH. So did they believe he was or wasn't a Messenger of Allah?

[4:157] And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah ." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.

Any answers?

[abdullah]

Assalamualykum
Their are two possible explanations
1.
They were being sarcastic. They were probably saying how could Isa (saws) have been the messiah/ messenger of god if we killed him

2.
They acknowledged the fact that their were seals upon their hearts (4:155). They  probably realized that he was a prophet but they were too arrogant to obey him