Why did the crucifixion have to happen?
The crucifixion had to happen because it was necessary for salvation. Israel's rejection of the valid offer, though freely chosen, brought about that which had to happen. Both Jew and Gentile together had to be part and parcel of His crucifixion.
Les teaches that God knew Israel would not accept the valid offer, yet Israel still acted of their own free will. Israel responded by rejecting the offer, and by rejecting it brought about that which had to happen for our salvation—the crucifixion. Les also points out that Jew and Gentile together had to be part and parcel of His crucifixion. He notes that between the crucifixion and Peter's offer of the Kingdom in the Book of Acts, there was a time period in which derision could have taken place and the nations could have come to perplexity, but the crucifixion itself was the necessary event for salvation.