"So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place of a skull, which is called in Herbrew Gol'gatha. There they crucified him ... (John 19:17-18)."

The story continues, and we know it well. He was crucified with two other criminals - one on each side. We know about the sign that Pilate hung on the cross - proclaiming Jesus (sarcastically) to be "King of the Jews (John 19:19-24)." We know about how the soldiers divided up his clothes (John 19:23-23). We ache when he thirsted, and they gave him vinegar (John 19:28-29).

Of course, there is that wonderful, moving moment when, though wracked by pain, he saw his mother and instructed the beloved disciple (probably John) to care for her (John 19:25-27). Even death could not overcome God's love. Death still cannot overcome his…