When Pilate heard this statement, he was more afraid than ever. He went back into the headquarters and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus did not give him an answer. So Pilate said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify you?” “You would have no authority over me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” (John 19:8-11, CSB).

Every state classifies crimes into distinct categories. The categories are usually felony, misdemeanor, and infraction. The determination of the crime category is based on the severity of the crime.

It’s the same with sin. According to Jesus some sins are greater than others.

These verses are part of John’s account of the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Pilate questioned Jesus about His religious authority and the charges brought against him by the Jewish religious leaders. John noted that Pilate was fearful when the Jewish religious leaders testified that Jesus “made himself the Son of God” (vs. 7).

John’s mention of Pilate’s fear upon hearing the Son of God claim may indicate Pilate thought there was some element of truth to the claim. Matthew 27:19 says while Pilate was on his judgment seat he received a message from his wife not to punish Jesus because she had seen in a dream He was a righteous man.

Jesus responded to Pilate’s threat by declaring Pilate’s authority over Him was permitted only because it came from a higher authority. Jesus meant that ulitmately God is in control, and He exercises divine sovereignty over human events.

Then, Jesus pointed out that the one who handed him over to the Roman authorities (likely referring to Judas Iscariot and/or the Jewish religious leaders) was guilty of a greater sin (than Pilate). While Pilate bore responsibility for ordering Jesus’ crucifixion, the one who betrayed him and those who conspired against Him were even more culpable.

Throughout the gospels Jesus assails the self-righteousness of the Jewish religious leaders more vociferously then He does the moral failings of those to whom He ministered.

So, it seems that the sins of religious folk—such as self-righteousness or hypocrisy–are more repugnant to God than the immorality of sinners.

Hence, Christians beware! Self-righteousness is worse than unrighteousness!

The Hebrews writer explains that when “righteous” people become self-righteous people, it’s really the same as showing contempt for God: “For it is impossible to renew to repentance to those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit, who tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age, and who have fallen away. This is because, to their own harm, they are recrucifying the Son of God and holding him up to contempt” (Hebrews 6:4-6, CSB).

So it is sin to know the good and yet not do it. (James 4:17, CSB)