In this passage we’re given a direct reference to Christ,
followed by an immediate reference to his unjust death:
 

“Christ, I did not know he was so big. I’ll kill him though,” he said. “In all his greatness and his glory.”

Although it is unjust, he thought. But I will show him what a man can do and what a man endures.

“I told the boy I was a strange old man,” he said. “Now is when I must prove it.”

The thousand times that he had proved it meant nothing. Now he was proving it again. Each time was a new time and he never thought about the past when he was doing it.

I wish he’d sleep and I could sleep and dream about the lions, he thought. Why are the lions the main thing that is left? Don’t think, old man, he said to himself. Rest gently now against the wood and think of nothing. He is working. Work as little as you can.

It was getting into the afternoon and the boat still moved slowly and steadily. But there was an added drag now from the easterly breeze and the old man rode gently with the small sea and the hurt of the cord across his back came to him easily and smoothly.
– p. 66-67

 

“Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged with a whip… and they struck him in the face… Once more Pilate came out and said, ‘Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know I find no basis for a charge against him.’… the people answered, ‘He claimed to be the Son of God.’… From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free… Finally, Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.”
– John, ch. 19

“…the hurt of the cord across his back…”
– Hemingway

“Christ… I’ll kill him… in all his greatness and his glory… although it is unjust.”
– Hemingway