What is the meaning of Matthew 27:28? They stripped Him - Roman soldiers removed Jesus’ clothing in the Praetorium (Matthew 27:27–28), treating Him like any condemned criminal ready for scourging. - Public nakedness in Scripture signals shame (Genesis 3:10); here the shame is intensified because the One being humiliated is sinless (Hebrews 4:15). - This act fulfills prophecy: “They divide My garments among them and cast lots for My clothing” (Psalm 22:18), showing that every detail of Jesus’ suffering was foreseen. - The stripping highlights His willing self-emptying (Philippians 2:7–8) and anticipates the complete exposure He will endure on the cross (John 19:23–24). - In bearing such disgrace, Jesus “endured the cross, despising its shame” (Hebrews 12:2), securing redemption for all who believe (1 Peter 2:24). and put a scarlet robe on Him - After stripping Jesus, the soldiers clothe Him in a faded military cloak—“a scarlet robe” (Matthew 27:28)—to mock His claim to kingship. John 19:2 notes “a purple robe”; the ancient dyes often blended, so the Synoptics and John describe the same garment from different angles. - Scarlet was associated with royalty and power (2 Samuel 1:24) and with sin’s deep stain (Isaiah 1:18); unknowingly, the soldiers drape on Jesus a symbol of both His rightful sovereignty and the sin He is about to bear (2 Corinthians 5:21). - Their parody continues with a crown of thorns and a reed scepter (Matthew 27:29), yet heaven sees genuine coronation: “On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS” (Revelation 19:16). - The scarlet robe also foreshadows the blood soon to flow (Matthew 27:31), fulfilling Isaiah 53:5, “He was pierced for our transgressions.” - Even in mockery, God’s purpose shines: the suffering King wears our guilt so that we might wear His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). summary Matthew 27:28 records two deliberate humiliations—stripping Jesus and clothing Him in a mock-royal scarlet robe. The soldiers intend ridicule, yet their actions fulfill prophecy, display Jesus’ willing humility, and unveil deep symbolism: the sinless King takes on our shame and sin, even as His true royalty is proclaimed. |
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