Matthew 27:28

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

Matthew 27:28 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 27:28 is part of the account of Jesus’ crucifixion. It occurs after the Jewish leaders hand Jesus over to the Roman authorities, and He endures further humiliation and mistreatment.

Meaning

The Roman soldiers deliberately placed a scarlet robe on Jesus as an act of mockery. Scarlet, like purple, was a colour associated with royalty, and by clothing Him in such a garment they intended to ridicule His claim to be the King of the Jews. Unwittingly, this mockery also echoes the suffering servant described in Isaiah 53:3, who would be despised and rejected. The stripping itself was a humiliating act, as public exposure was considered a deep shame in the ancient world.

Biblical connections

The same episode is recorded in the other Gospels. Mark 15:17 notes that the soldiers dressed Jesus in purple, another royal colour, while John 19:2 mentions a purple robe. These differences may reflect distinct eyewitness perspectives or the use of different garments during the mockery. Dressing Jesus in a scarlet robe also contributes to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Psalm 22:18 predicts, “They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” This is realized when the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ seamless tunic, as recorded in John 19:23-24. Although the specific colour of the robe varies among the accounts, the act of dividing and casting lots for His garments remains a clear fulfillment of the prophetic word.

Application

The scarlet robe is also emblematic of sin, as Isaiah 1:18 speaks of sins being “as scarlet,” and it points to Jesus bearing the sins of humanity. The soldiers unknowingly proclaim a truth: Jesus is indeed the King, though His kingdom is not of this world. This verse calls believers to reflect on the cost of redemption and the love of Christ, who endured such shame for our sake.

Reflection

The combined details highlight how the soldiers’ cruel parody not only exposed Jesus to public scorn but also served God’s redemptive plan, turning mockery into a prophetic sign that points to the Messiah’s suffering and ultimate victory.