Tomorrow morning I preach on the trial of Jesus in Matthew's gospel. The event is, of course, laden with irony.

Here's one that I can't see in any commentary but seems quite striking.

Pilate was renowned for being corrupt and having the innocent put to death. But when Jesus stands before him he is both convinced of His innocence and determined to free him.

But he can't.

On the day when he sees clearly and fairly, he is forced to act corruptly. Deliciously ironic.