15:16–20 As indicated in the discussion of the preceding passage (15:6–15), the Roman practice of crucifixion involved more than simply hanging a person upon a cross to die; it involved the complete degradation of a person and unrestrained torture. This made the punishment the most feared of all in the ancient world. In these verses we have an abbreviated description of such cruelties heaped upon Jesus; however, Mark’s purpose is not to emphasize the physical sufferings endured by Jesus but rather the indignities he endured in spite of who he really is. Thus, Mark says virtually nothing about Jesus’ response to the things done to him, and the actions of the soldiers are all given as examples of mockeries of the idea of Jesus being the king of the Jews. Pilate’s mocking use of the title kin…