His throne room was the top of a small hill named Golgatha. His throne was not gilded and set with precious stones; it was a cross of rough-hewn timbers. Though He wore a crown, it was of thorns. Albeit He had been cloaked in a robe of royal color, it was but a discarded rag and even that was taken from Him. Once He held a scepter, but it was only a reed from a creek bed, stuffed derisively in His hand by jeering guards. Yet Jesus, upon Calvary's cross, was more a King than any other sovereign; certainly more a King than a commoner, for He did the uncommon thing of atoning for our sins...this Christ, this monarch, this Jesus we know as the King of Ifs.

The religious leaders scoffed at the Crucified: "He saved others; let Him safe Himself if He is the Messiah of God, His Chosen One," they …