Jesus is stretched out on the stake. (Mark 15:25) The soldiers pound nails into his hands and his feet, piercing flesh and ligaments, causing intense pain. As the stake is swung upright, the pain is even more excruciating as the weight of Jesus’ body tears at his wounds. Yet, Jesus does not berate the soldiers. He prays: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”​—Luke 23:34.

The four Roman soldiers also make fun of Jesus. They may have been drinking sour wine, so now in mockery they apparently hold some of it before Jesus, who obviously cannot reach out and take any. The Romans tauntingly allude to the sign above Jesus’ head and say: “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” (Luke 23:36, 37)

The four soldiers have taken Jesus’ outer garments and divided them into four parts. They cast lots to see who gets which piece. Jesus’ inner garment, though, is of superior quality, “without a seam, being woven from top to bottom.” The soldiers reason: “Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots over it to decide whose it will be.” They thus fulfill the scripture that says: “They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing.”​—John 19:23, 24; Psalm 22:18.