This is the story of a Roman soldier ordered to perform a duty that will change his life forever. Marcel is directed to find a form of torture for a man on trial who calls himself a king. So he conceives the idea of a crown made of thorns.

Though this pleases his commander, as Marcel places the crown on the prisoners head, he unexpectedly suffers his own sudden torture when a thorn pierces his finger. In pain and bloody agony, he looks into the eyes of Jesus yet sees only love. How can love come from such a vicious act?

In his quest to learn all he can about this man, Marcel encounters many people, some devoted followers of Jesus and some who mock and detest him. He also experiences his own miracles.

One person who will help him on his journey to understand this king is his loving wife Delicia. She will both challenge and comfort him as he struggles with the many questions he strives to answer.

Yet in the end, he will have to make a life or death decision.