The Power of the Old Rugged Cross. John 19:16-42 Jesus is handed over to Pontius Pilate by Jewish leaders who demand his crucifixion. Despite Pilate finding no fault in him, the crowd insists on Jesus’ death. Pilate, succumbing to pressure, sentences Jesus to be crucified.Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crowned with thorns by Roman soldiers. He carries his cross to Golgotha, where he is crucified between two criminals. Pilate orders a sign declaring Jesus as the “King of the Jews” to be placed above him.While on the cross, Jesus refuses wine mixed with gall and entrusts his mother to the care of the disciple whom he loved. He experiences physical and spiritual agony, declaring, “It is finished,” before breathing his last.Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, obtains permission to bury Jesus from Pilate. Along with Nicodemus, he prepares Jesus’ body for burial and lays it in a nearby tomb. Guards are stationed at the tomb to prevent tampering.The passage concludes with Jesus’ burial, fulfilling prophecies. His disciples are left mourning, yet unaware of the resurrection’s hope it brings.