Did Jesus have to suffer and die?

I've just watched Passion of the Christ with my son during the recent Good Friday. He was one year old when the movie came out. It felt good watching it again with him 11 years after and answering his questions. But I had to grapple with my own question as well: Did Jesus have to suffer and die?

"My son, when, where, how will you choose to be delivered of this?"
Mary in a scene from Passion of the Christ (2004)

Jesus could have chosen not to suffer nor die. He could have chosen to simply ascend into heaven after the last supper. Why did he choose to suffer and die, before rising up and ascending into heaven? These thoughts crossed my mind as I was watching the movie, especially when I saw that Mary asked the question herself.

Passion of the Christ: An Easter Reflection

The Passion of the Christ was released in 2004. That year, 10 years ago, feels just like yesterday. I remember having watched the premiere show hosted by a non-Catholic denomination operating from its center in Ortigas. We watched it in one of the theaters of SM Mega Mall.

Scene from Passion of the Christ (2004)

After the show, I was irked when the pastor from this denomination went on stage to tell the people about how the crucifixion should be interpreted based on the Bible. In the next few moments, I was gone from the theater like a wind.