I had meant to suggest that the Monty Python crucifixion scene is an exception to the rule. Insofar as the scene is not a parody or even a satire upon the Gospel account of crucifixion.
Other than the method of execution and the injustice of the sentence there are no direct parallels.
Thus the scene is not a joke about crucifixion but has a more broader significance.
It even hints at the unpleasantness of that form of death as nobody really wants to be crucified “No I’m Brian and so’s my wife”!

I think it makes a more broadly sweeping statement about the human condition. The aversion to pain as everyone tries to get out of the punishment. The mindless optimism of a certain type of person even when the end is nigh. The futility of the blood sacrifice and symbolic political action (the People’s Front of Judea… or is it the Judean People’s Front?).
But overally I think the crucifixion scene is perhaps a self-referential joke. After all the Life of Brian is close to the wire, it is intended to provoke thought by being borderline blasphemous (but as I argue without crossing that line) through the medium of humour. It is saying hey hang on just because it is sacred to some/many does not make it immune from criticism, inspection nor indeed satire when necessary. The Church as the institutional embodiment of Christianity cannot be beyond satire or criticism when it falls into error, indeed because of its self-appointment it must be held up to scrutiny. All of this is part of the messafe of Life of Brian and it culminates in a scene that with regards the narrative of the film is not a happy ending but which nonetheless leaves you with a smile and a catchy song. The message perhaps is very simple – lighten up.

I failed to explain why it was funny but I did convey the Brit’s level of free expression was healthy! That scene is hardly considered controversial today (rather it is called a classic) but I suspect a new spoof of Jesus’s crucifixion would be called blasphemy. “Even mould ennobleth.”

AC1