Jesus wore purple because a purple robe was placed upon Him by Roman soldiers as an act of deliberate mockery during His trial before the crucifixion. This act was meant to ridicule His claims of being the King of the Jews, using purple as a symbol of royalty and authority.
An Act of Mockery
The scene unfolded as Roman soldiers, intending to humiliate Jesus, dressed Him in a purple robe. This was done after He had been scourged and was facing crucifixion. The soldiers' actions, including placing a crown of thorns on His head and hailing Him mockingly as "King of the Jews," were designed to ridicule His alleged claim to kingship. They chose purple specifically to amplify this mockery, knowing its historical significance.
The Symbolism of Purple
Purple has long been associated with royalty, wealth, and power across various ancient cultures, including the Roman Empire. The dye used to create rich purple hues, often derived from murex snails, was exceedingly rare and expensive, making purple garments accessible primarily to emperors, kings, and high-ranking officials. By dressing Jesus in purple, the soldiers were making a scornful statement about His proclaimed status.
Here's a breakdown of the dual meaning behind the purple robe:
| Aspect | Mockery's Intent | Underlying Truth (Unintended) |
|---|---|---|
| Color Choice | To deride Jesus's claim to be a king | A prophetic acknowledgment of His true divine kingship |
| Robing Action | To humiliate and disrespect | Unknowingly signifying His royal authority and sacrifice |
| Jesus's Title | "King of the Jews" (as a joke) | "King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16) |
Unveiling a Deeper Truth
Ironically, though the purple robe was placed upon Jesus out of mockery, it inadvertently conveyed a profound truth about His identity. While the soldiers intended to belittle Him, their act visually affirmed the very kingship He embodied. He is not merely a king of earthly dominion but the ultimate sovereign ruler—the "King of kings, and Lord of lords." This significant title, found in various biblical texts, emphasizes His supreme authority over all creation and all earthly powers. Thus, what began as an act of scorn became an unintended declaration of His true, divine majesty.
