That is so true GreenCapt. He does say Obi-wan is holding him back and someday he will be the greatest Jedi ever. I think they repeatedly said they fear him, because though they sense his power with force they sensed his fear, rebellion, and conflict. Of course they stated he was too old. At age 8? he is already to hard-wired (so would say what about Luke...luke faced conflict and turned to the darkside in post OT, coming back later). If he was aware of the prophecy that weight could boost his ego further and/or give him too much weight/expectations that would hinder his training. The jedi know that he must train more carefully. It sort of reminds me of Gandalf not wanting to hold the ring from Frodo, knowing that through him it can yield an unimaginable power...too much power. Although to defeat Siddious it would take a Jedi greater than even Yoda, ultimately. He manipulated the entire Senate, Anakin, Padme, Dooku as a jedi and sith, Sifo Dyas, Jango Fett, and the Jedi Council. Even Yoda didn't see him coming. It would be interesting if Siddious said that to increase him anger against the jedi, about being the chosen one, but wouldn't that creat conflict against the emperor when it is clear who he is. Ultimately we know (thanks to MebeJedi for some of the answers) that he fulfills the destiny by killing the Emperor/Sith and returning to the Light side. Siddious did not want that obviously. The Jedi did not know for certain he was the chosen one (only Qui-Gonn sensed this and passed that idea to Obi-wan). Siddious tried to turn him because he knew he was the chosen one and would ultimately be his demise. Its like Satan trying to tempt Jesus in the Bible. Satan's greatest fear was the Son of God ("son of Suns - Journal of Whills) pulling away his reign on humanity and ultimately relegating him to the hell (shadows) post-Revelations.