The answer is: Purple

John 19:2 - Matthew mentions the robe being scarlet, but this is not the same Greek word that is used for red.

In John 19:2, the robe placed on Jesus was purple—a color symbolically associated with royalty and power. The choice of purple for the mocking garb exemplifies the irony of the crucifixion: Jesus, hailed as a king, is ironically treated like a common criminal. The Roman soldiers weren’t just teasing; they were highlighting their misunderstanding of Jesus' true nature and mission.

Interestingly, purple dye was a luxury in ancient times, made from murex snails, which meant only wealthy nobles could afford this opulent hue, accentuating the disdain shown by the soldiers for someone claiming to be the King of the Jews. This details God's paradoxes, where the King of Kings wears what would normally signify aristocracy under the harshest of conditions—a jarring contrast aiming to shake our perspectives on power, humility, and suffering.

You might also be fascinated to learn that scarlet, as mentioned in Matthew, is another significant biblical color. It often symbolizes sin and sacrifice, representing blood, which ties perfectly into the narrative surrounding Jesus' inevitability as the lamb for sacrifice. Together, these colors deepen our understanding of the Passion narrative, reminding us always that the story tangentially weaves themes of dignity, mockery, royalty, and sacrifice into the mighty fabric of faith—a tapestry designed for everyone to seek understanding and belonging.