How many people did recognize Jesus as the Christ during his lifetime?

His mother Mary, his step father Joseph, his cousin Elizabeth, and her son John the Baptist: four members of his family.

Simeon and Anna: two who lived in and around the temple. That was in his childhood.

Two of his disciples, Peter and Nathanael. They only had suspicion whether, ‘Is he the one whom we await?’ They had no lasting conviction, except that they had some glimmer of light here and there.

Then, those who really recognized him were those possessed with evil spirits. They recognized him in Capernaum, in the region of Garasenes, in the synagogue, etc.

Of the above-mentioned relatives, John is the only one who gives indications to the people that Jesus is the Holy One of God.

He silenced all those possessed by demons saying, “Be quiet,” and freed them from the bondage of unclean spirits.

Jesus once asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” All of a sudden it was Peter who made the declaration: “You are the Christ.”

Jesus strictly forbade his disciples not to tell anyone about it.

Why would Jesus forbid anyone from spreading the news that he was the Christ while he was still doing the ministry? Jesus does not allow anyone to tell anyone about it at all!

I think the next line contains the clue. He says, 'The Son of Man must be rejected by the leaders, suffer greatly, be put to death, and rise again on the third day.'

In other words, the Christness would be complete only in his the rejection, suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection.

The Christ-mystery is in suffering, death, and resurrection.