CCC 575

Many of Jesus' deeds and words constituted a "sign of contradiction",³²¹ Lk 2:34. but more so for the religious authorities in Jerusalem, whom the Gospel according to John often calls simply "the Jews",³²² Cf. Jn 1:19; 2:18; 5:10; 7:13; 9:22; 18:12; 19:38; 20:19. than for the ordinary People of God.³²³ Jn 7:48-49. To be sure, Christ's relations with the Pharisees were not exclusively polemical. Some Pharisees warn him of the danger he was courting;³²⁴ Cf Lk 13:31. Jesus praises some of them, like the scribe of Mark 12:34, and dines several times at their homes.³²⁵ Cf. Lk 7:36; 14:1. Jesus endorses some of the teachings imparted by this religious elite of God's people: the resurrection of the dead,³²⁶ Cf. Mt 22:23-34; Lk 20:39. certain forms of piety (almsgiving, fasting and prayer),³²⁷ Cf. Mt 6:18. The custom of addressing God as Father, and the centrality of the commandment to love God and neighbour.³²⁸ Cf. Mk 12:28-34.