Today, in the Gospel we perceive a certain "controversy" over the "Jews" around Jesus. In the fourth Gospel this is not a specific point made, although it rather appears as a constant in the ascent of Jesus to Jerusalem. But, ultimately, who exactly were Jesus’ accusers? According to John, it was simply "the Jews". But this expression does not in any way indicate the people of Israel in general; even less is it “racist” in character.

After all, John himself was ethnically a Jew, as were Jesus and all His followers. The entire early Christian community was made up of Jews. In John’s Gospel this word has a precise and clearly defined meaning: he is referring to the Temple aristocracy (there may be exceptions, such as Nicodemus). In Mark’s Gospel, the circle of accusers is broadened featuring "the Jews", and the "ochlos" ("mass") enters the scene and opts for the release of Barabbas, but it does not refer to the Jewish people as such...

—O Jesus! Here I am to defend You, because You call me by my name.