I am glad you are discussing this with me. It is hard to convey mood in text messages, so that is why I tell you that, so you do not think you have offended me in some way, because you have not. As you are doing, I have also asked many questions. Man should not accept traditions with blind faith, but should scrutinize every doctrine to know whether it be true.

the offenders

What was his offense? He did nothing but good for people, feeding them, healing them, and telling them to stop fighting and to love one another. What is wrong with how he lived or what he spoke that should make him an offender?

You asked how his death was any more special than anyone else's death. Everyone else sinned. Jesus did not. And the sinners that were killed did not agree to die for others. A woman who is raped and killed did not consent to her own death. Jesus lay down his life voluntarily, knowing he would be beaten, publicly humiliated, and crucified. He did so saying there was no greater love than to die for his friends. He died for you, also, so your sins may be forgiven, if you would accept his sacrifice.

And how do I know this is true? It is the only explanation for our short life on earth that makes sense to me. No other story about our origin or purpose of life makes sense.