What does Matthew 27:31 mean?

There is deep irony in how Roman soldiers mocked Jesus. On the surface, they were shaming a prisoner who they assumed had claimed to be King of the Jews (Matthew 27:11). Their jeering and humiliation said, to anyone who might notice, that it was laughable to think about overcoming the might of the Roman empire. Likewise, they are sneering at the culture and history of Israel by defiling their claimed leader.

What the soldiers don't grasp is that they are mocking the true and long-promised King of the Jews. Matthew began this book by establishing the fact that Jesus was, indeed, the rightful heir to the throne of David over Israel (Matthew 1:1–17). The soldiers also do not know that Jesus will one day rule as king of all nations (Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11) or that He is the Lord to whom they will answer for their eternal souls (Revelation 20:11–15).

Jesus' most impressive demonstration of power may be His resolve to do nothing in response to this cruel torture and evil mockery. He did not strike back. He did not defend Himself in word or action (Isaiah 53:7). He merely endured to the very limit of His human body, rather than raining down fire on all who disrespected Him (Luke 9:53–55; Matthew 26:53–54). In fact, as He hangs dying on a cross, Jesus will say of these men, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

Once the soldiers are done humiliating Jesus, they took back the robe and returned Jesus to His own clothes. Normally, prisoners were stripped naked on their way to crucifixion. This would pile on additional shame and make it easier to inflict pain via flogging along the way. Bible scholars speculate the men may have been ordered to put clothes back on Jesus for the sake of the Passover crowds by which He would pass (Matthew 26:17; John 19:19–20). His clothes will be removed once more, however, when He is placed on the cross (John 19:23–24; Matthew 27:35).