The crucifixion is only painful in the ego's interpretation. Everything is mental. In A Course in Miracles, Jesus says, "And you will recognize you practiced well by this: The body should not feel at all." W-136.17:2 The crucifixion's lesson is: Teach only love for that is what you are. And the reason that Jesus could teach that lesson during the crucifixion was because his mind was "above the battleground." Nothing can harm the Spirit and this is why, in truth, you need no defenses.