Is Jesus a greater sinner than Barabbas?

How did those crowds demand the release of Barabbas,

a prisoner condemned for rioting and murder, from the Roman governor Pontius Pilate,

and insist with such loud voices for Jesus to be crucified on the cursed cross

(Lk. 23:23, 25)?

From their perspective,

the Jewish people considered Jesus of Nazareth to be a greater sinner than Barabbas.

In their eyes, Barabbas was guilty of rioting and murder,

while Jesus was charged with blasphemy against God (Jn. 5:21; Mt. 11:27; 27:43)

and the desecration of the holy sanctuary (Jn. 2:19).

Their unbelief in Jesus led to the ignorance that played a role in crucifying the sinless Jesus,

who came to bear our sins, die on the cross, and save us from our sins.