* This is the first time Jesus mentioned the cross to His disciples.

* It came just after He explained to them about CHURCH (vs 16-18).

* Before He talked about SUFFERING, He talked about IDENTITY.

* He had to explain to them who they were and what they were supposed to do.

* As church, they would be His governing authority on the earth.

* And their role, our role, is to show up to the gates of hell and bring His kingdom.

* ** He never called them, the church, His bride at that point.

* This would come later.

* The cross is the engagement ring for the church.

* The church couldn’t become Christ’s bride without Him living a sinless life, dying a perfect death, and rising from the dead.

* Now He’s a groom awaiting His bride.

* And when He comes back the marriage will take place!

* In the meantime, we park at the gates and be faithful as church.

* Why? Because that’s our identity.

* ** And we have to pick up our cross as well.