Why did God choose the route of the cross instead of another way?

I remember what Jesus said regarding certain cities that did not repent. He said,

Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you" (Matt. 11:20-24).

Notice carefully what Jesus said. If the miracles that were formed in Chorazin and Bethsaida had been formed in Tyre and Sidon, “THEY WOULD HAVE REPENTED long ago in SACKCLOTH AND ASHES” (v. 21). Again, to the city of Capernaum, for if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, IT WOULD HAVE REMAINED TO THIS DAY” (v. 23).

Notice, Jesus knows about a reality that did not exist. But if it did exist, then this is what would have happened:

First, in regards to decision – “they would have repented”

Second, in regards to the means – “in sackcloth and ashes”

Third, in regards to existence – “it would have remained until this day”

Jesus is saying that if possible other options were to occur, then this would be the result. God knows all possible scenarios. He knows all the possible outcomes of all possible scenarios. The bible says that “God works all things after the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11). His will and intentions are always the best possible choice out of all possible outcomes. Every conceivable outcome or avenue God knows about -- out of them all, God foreordained the best possible outcome that would be consistent with His righteous, good, holy and loving nature.

The bible also declares that “God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). The cross of Christ was not one of many options. It was the BEST option (1 Peter 1:20; Acts 2:23).