Very interesting point you brought up regarding the mockery probably started to happen in Herod's palace. I read an excerpt of a sermon (?) that theorized about it. To me it is certainly plausible scenario. Imagine King Herod, decrepit disfavored by the people, facing-off with this supposedly self-claimed King of the Jews, young, charismatic and hugely popular. This rabbi refused to show him magic trick, refuse to speak to him or even acknowledge him, such defiant attitude. It would have irked him and his posse to no end. Some beatings should make the rabbi talk, even beg for mercy. No? Not even one word. He will lose his face if it ends like this. He has to gain the upper hand. Some show will please his company. Let's dress him like a king, a robe, a pretend specter, a crown, made of wreath of leaves (the roman soldiers, determine to outdo the joke, later replace it with thorns). Here is the robe your majesty. Wait, it does not go well with his peasant clothes. Take it off, take it all off. Derisive laughter and catcalls filled the palace as the strapping King of the Jews was slowly divested out of his humble clothing. He finally stood in the nude in front of Herod and his company, surrounded by his foes. Herod drapped the flowing red robe himself. The whole time, Jesus looked down, his face is flushed with shame. Herod grabbed him by his chin and looked him in the eye and winked. *There, much better , isn:t it, King*. The palace exploded with applause and laughter, and the mocking intensified. After several more rounds of verbal (and some physical) abuse, Jesus was sent back to Pilate.
Flash forward to ecce homo scene, Pilate presented the king of the Jews to the people of Jerusalem. There was big crowd in front of the praetorium, people from all factions. All watched in initial shock at the rabbi's state. For people who weren't present earlier, they heard rumor going around before that the idolized rabbi, the savior of the people has been arrested, tried and treated like a clown by King Herod and dragged down on the streets with very little clothing. Some of his closest followers refuse to believe it. *no way it was Jesus, he would strike down the entire palace before letting that happen*, they say to themselves. But now, they saw it with their own eyes. Their beloved teacher, stood stark naked between fully-armored Roman soldiers. Only covered by skimpy rag which must have been an old discarded soldier's robe, and crown of thorns on his bowed head. Welts and bruises all over his body. Adoration turns into dissapointment, turns into resentment, turns into burning hatred and rage. This man has betrayed their trust and hope. Shoutings and chaos and insults filled the air. Then the Governor booming voice silence them 'What shall I do then, with this man!'.
Note: sorry if the above writing offend some, I tend to let my imagination runs wild. If this is not consistent what the forum content should be or I went too far, feel free to delete it and let me know.
