The answer is: Purple

John 19:2

In John 19:2, we see Pilate's soldiers draping Jesus with a purple robe—an act that serves two significant purposes in the narrative. Firstly, purple is historically known as the color of royalty and aristocracy. In the ancient world, it was incredibly expensive to source, often derived from the murex shellfish found by the Mediterranean. Only the wealthiest and noblest could afford garments dyed in this luxurious hue. By dressing Jesus in purple, the soldiers, whether knowingly or not, were presenting a bitter irony: here stood the Messiah, mocked as a king by those towering above Him in power.

But even deeper echoes can be found in the fabric of scripture. This act resonates with earlier biblical precedents such as King Solomon, who likewise donned royal attire and ruled with wisdom. The insult from the soldiers contrasts sharply with Jesus’ true mission of servant leadership, as seen in other parts of the Gospels, where freedom and humility take precedence over earthly kingship.

Connecting the dots: colors also pop up elsewhere in scripture for their symbolic meanings. For instance, red points to sacrifice, like the blood of the lamb during Passover. A purple robe could be seen as foreshadowing, anchoring the narrative in Christ’s eventual embrace of suffering.

In essence, that robe isn’t just a garment; it's a vivid illustration of humanity’s failure to recognize true divinity, wrapped in mockery and suffering, yet with deep cultural significance. It's an invitation to reflect on that transformative journey from scorn towards enlightenment.