John’s crucifixion narrative is stylized as the coronation of Christ on Earth, which is a totally countercultural message. The powers of the world are completely oblivious that they are accidentally telling the truth about Jesus (he actually is the king of the Jews, the crown of thorns is a real crown, etc.), because they are unable to understand anything other than raw power. The cross exemplifies the “upside-down kingdom” that God created, and also calls all Earthly powers to account because God triumphs over them. Through Christ’s victory on the Cross, the blessings of the covenant come to us all and we are set free from bondage to Sin.