(Jesus said) "For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

David Benke is a mathematics teacher in Littleton, Colorado.

More importantly, David Benke is a math teacher who practices what he preaches.

Let me explain. Benke was present when a 32-year-old man opened fire on some students at his school. He realized the man was using a bolt-action rifle. (That's a long gun which the shooter has to reload after every shot.) Benke used his mathematics to calculate he had time to disarm and tackle the shooter before the man could get his gun ready to fire.

Even though Benke thought he was safe, he still risked his life to save the children. It was a calculated risk he was willing to take so others might live.

I wonder if Jesus ever made any calculations before He came to earth to be our sacrifice and Savior. If so, His percentage calculations might have looked something like this:

Chance He would die of old age -- 0
Chance He would marry and have children -- 0
Chance He'd be appreciated by the folks He came to save -- 0
Chance He would be hated, despised, and beaten -- 100
Chance His life would end on the cross -- 100
Chance the world would appreciate Him after His resurrection -- ???

Although I'm not very good with numbers, those seem to be terrible percentages. They are not the kind of odds I would like to see if I were risking my life for others. I'd like to have a fighting chance.

A fighting chance -- that's something Jesus never had. After all, He came into this world to minister and give His life as a ransom for you and me and everybody.

And now, for those who believe in Him, the following percentages can be said:

Chance they will go to heaven when they die -- 100
Chance the Savior will protect them before they die -- 100
Chance the Savior will give them peace -- 100
Chance they will live forever because Jesus died and rose -- 100

Looking at those special numbers, I think we need to give thanks.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You came to serve and give Your life for sinners. Even so, I sometimes forget all that You suffered, all that You gave up. Please help me remember how You did all that was demanded so I might be saved. Then, when I have remembered, let me give thanks. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 26-27    Mark 11:19-33

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