To help the listener
The reader could use these words to provide context to today's reading(s): Daniel 7.9-10,13-14, Revelation 1.4b-8, John 18.33-37
Daniel the visionary sees a trustworthy heavenly order behind the chaos that envelopes God’s people.
John the Elder sees the dependable ways of heaven revealed in Jesus, God’s faithful witness. In the Gospel, Jesus makes little impression on Pilate, who represents the powerful rule of Rome. But Jesus’ weakness reveals God’s true strength.