The crowd that followed the Saviour saw His weak and staggering steps, but they manifested no compassion. They taunted and reviled Him because He could not carry the heavy cross. Again the burden was laid upon Him, and again He fell fainting to the ground. His persecutors saw that it was impossible for Him to carry His burden farther. They were puzzled to find anyone who would bear the humiliating load. The Jews themselves could not do this, because the defilement would prevent them from keeping the Passover. None even of the mob that followed Him would stoop to bear the cross.

Skaren, der fulgte med Frelseren, så hans svage og vaklende skridt, men de udviste ingen medlidenhed. De hånede og spottede ham, fordi han ikke kunne bære det tunge kors. Atter blev byrden lagt på ham, og atter segnede han besvimet til jorden. Hans bødler så, at det var umuligt for ham at bære sin byrde længere. De havde vanskelighed med at finde en eller anden, der ville bære den ydmygende byrde. Jøderne selv kunne ikke gøre det på grund af besmittelsen, der ville forhindre dem i at tage del i påskehøjtiden. Ikke engang nogen af de mange mennesker, der fulgte ham, ville nedlade sig til at bære korset.