Surprisingly, I could find them everywhere — even though it’s no longer called “Easter break,” and sometimes, the breaks don’t even fall near Easter. Some students had to uproot and return to school on the holiday. Just like Christmas, it has been watered-down or jazzed-up and turned into a social event filled with bunnies and eggs. And yet, across the world, millions gathered in churches and homes to remember the cross and celebrate the resurrection of their savior.

More than 2,000 years ago, a man walked this earth. He was everything this world needed and nothing it expected. He was despised. He was loved. He was rejected. He was exalted. He was tortured. He was killed.

One day, He was welcomed by an adoring crowd. A week later, that same crowd cried for His blood. Was He a criminal? Had He broken the law?

No.

And yet, He was crucified on a cross made of wood.

Then why is the cross a symbol of Christianity? Why choose such an image of pain and suffering? Why choose an image of the death of the supposed savior?

Blood sacrifices were required of the Jews to cover over the stain of their sins. The prophets told of a Messiah who would be the final sacrifice. Only one man fit the bill: Jesus Christ. He died to cover over the sins of the entire world, not just one person. He died, so we wouldn’t.

For three days, His body rested in its grave just like that of any other man. A fter three days, His body was discovered missing. Was it stolen? Was it hidden? Was it resurrected as hundreds witnessed and millions claim?

What you choose to believe will shape your life and your death.

Jesus of Nazareth truly existed. He was born on Earth and died on Earth. History attests to this. Exactly who He was seems to be problem.

In truth, there are only three options as to who Jesus was: He was stark-raving mad; He was a skilled and successful liar or He was the Messiah — God. There is no substantial proof to support either of the former assertions, yet the latter seems too far-fetched.

Even so, millions of people throughout the centuries have founded their beliefs upon the single conviction that Jesus truly was God. Each individual has the opportunity to research and explore the validity and truth of such assertions. Ultimately, a decision will be made, for even in not concluding, a side has been chosen.

Many people are turned off by actions and words of those who represent Jesus. I encourage them not to make decisions based on the words of fallible men. They are not perfect. I am not perfect. I screw up and say wrong things, too.

Look past the glare of human imperfection and see Christ for who He really was. Ask questions, but also seek the answers. Research, examine and weigh those answers. Look to the source, Christ, and remember why He claimed he was here.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. —John 3:16

Leslie Arntz is a freshman magazine journalism major and a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].