What was the colour of the robe placed on Jesus?

During the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, the purple robe symbolizes more than just the color itself; it carries an intriguing aspect of mockery by the Roman soldiers. Purple was the color of royalty—considered sumptuous and luxurious, often reserved for kings. So, when Jesus was adorned with a purple robe, this act served as a cruel jibe to his claim of kingship.

Interestingly, in ancient times, purple dye was obtained from a costly source: the murex snail. This made purple garments very expensive and reserved for the elite. Remember how in the story of the wealthy woman in the book of Proverbs, it says, “she is clothed in strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come”? This reference connects wealth with purple too!

If we dive a bit deeper into John and Matthew's accounts, we discover the weaving of stories among the Gospels. Matthew's mention of a scarlet robe sheds light on a thematic portrayal, emphasizing the power and presence of blood—an important image as it resonates with sacrifice, echoing back to the lamb's blood saved from Egypt during Passover. This connection highlights the layers in scripture, hinting that every detail—from color to material—carries an intended weight, inviting us to explore deeper meanings.

This narrative not only illustrates the serious theme of suffering and injustice faced by Jesus but also invites self-reflection on how we regard those we often view through a lens of mockery in our own lives. The robes show the complex relationship between humanity, authority, and spiritual truth.