What colour robe did Pilate's soldiers put on Jesus?

In the Gospel of John, the color purple plays a significant role beyond Jesus' mockery. When Pilate's soldiers dress Jesus in a purple robe, it's both a form of ridicule and an involuntary recognition of his authority. In ancient cultures, purple was considered the color of royalty, derived from a rare dye made from the murex shell. It was expensive and highly sought after, making it a color associated with the elite.

Here's an interesting tidbit: The very being who was mocked for wearing this color holds a greater significance when we look through the lens of ‘the portrayal of kingship.’ Throughout the Old Testament, there's a thread of kings draped in purple – think of King Solomon whose grandeur exemplified wisdom, or King Herod whose unnecessary ostentation stands as a stark contrast against Jesus' humble life.

In the background, there’s a deeper narrative unfolding – Jesus portrayed as the humble servant of all humanity even in his suffering. The soldiers placed a crown of thorns on his head along with the robe, emphasizing the paradox: real honor through suffering. This vivid scene echoes earlier prophetic words from the book of Isaiah which spoke of a suffering servant. The combination serves as a poignant contrast between worldly authority and divine kingship, presenting a compelling lesson on humility, sacrifice, and true greatness. So, the next time you sit with this passage, consider not just the mockery, but the deeper symbolic kingliness that was undeservingly ascribed to him.