The question remains -- why did not Jesus insist on carrying his own cross? Were the soldiers, whoever they were, helping Jesus out of kindness, cruelty, or of pity?
I wonder if this provides us with a clue?
Matt. 26:67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him
Matt 27:26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Matt. 27:30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.
I contend these were very serious beatings, not just school yard scuffles. Couple all that with the fact that Jesus had prob. not slept in two days, and I can see one very weakened human, to the point that it could have been taking him too long to get to Golgotha, in the eyes of the guards so they enlisted Simon. |
