The answer is: Purple

John 19:2

In John 19:2, we see Pilate’s soldiers dressing Jesus in a purple robe, which adds a whole layer of meaning to the narrative. Purple was historically a color reserved for royalty, as it was an expensive dye frequently associated with wealth and power. Back in ancient times, only a few could afford garments dyed in such shades because the dye came from the mollusk secretions, making it both rare and costly. So, by adorning Jesus in purple, the soldiers might have sarcastically mocked His claim to be the King of the Jews, delivering a stunning contrast between the notion of a humble leader and the grandeur associated with kingship.

What’s even more interesting is how this moment echoes the prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures. One could recall the numerous references to power and kingship. For instance, in Isaiah 63:2, the question arises: “Why are your clothes red, and your garments like one who treads in the winepress?” This could bring to mind not only how Jesus' crucifixion was a spectacle of irony, signaling His true essence of servitude and sacrifice—transcending political kingship.

Also, the purple robe ties significantly into the cultural macabre of that era, as crucifixion was not just a form of execution but a public spectacle. It's ironic that, instead of being crowned with glory, Jesus was crowned with mockery. This scene captures humanity's complex interplay with authority, power, and servanthood—surreal yet meaningful at the same time.