Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 27:26-30

"Then released he unto them Barabbas; but Jesus he scourged and delivered to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered unto him the whole band. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spat upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head." — Matthew 27:26-30 (ASV)

Crucifixion was a death penalty used only by the Romans; it was very terrible and miserable. A cross was laid on the ground, to which the hands and feet were nailed. It was then lifted up and fixed upright, so that the weight of the body hung on the nails until the sufferer died in agony. Christ thus fulfilled the type of the brazen serpent raised on a pole. Christ underwent all the misery and shame described here, so that he might purchase for us everlasting life, and joy, and glory.