DocBill writes:
I understand, and sympathize, that you don't want his story to be so down to earth, so human, so real, but there you have it. For me personally, this fact only enhances the drama of that conversation, and brings to a heart rending crescendo the gawdawful human tragedy of his painful and untimely end.
Doc, I know that His story was down to earth, human, and real. He was not Superman. He felt the pain. I disagree with you about the bad ending, however. Jesus rose from the dead and is gloriously alive, regardless of what some people may believe. As for the thief? I trust that if a president can pardon a murderer, the King of the Universe can certainly bring a thief to paradise!