Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 27:31-34

"And when they had mocked him, they took off from him the robe, and put on him his garments, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to go [with them], that he might bear his cross. And they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, The place of a skull, they gave him wine to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted it, he would not drink." — Matthew 27:31-34 (ASV)

Christ was led as a Lamb to the slaughter, as a Sacrifice to the altar. Even the mercies of the wicked are really cruel. Taking the cross from him, they compelled one Simon to bear it.

Make us ready, O Lord, to bear the cross you have appointed us, and daily to take it up with cheerfulness, following you. Was ever sorrow like his sorrow? And when we behold the manner of death he died, let us in that behold the manner of love with which he loved us.

As if death, so painful a death, were not enough, they added to its bitterness and terror in several ways.