The Last Temptation of Christ also explored this theme, though it's conclusion was that his death was necessary for Christianity to flourish. I have to agree with MP above. I don't think the crucifiction was needed. His philosophy that he preached was pretty revolutionary and advanced for the time (hell I think it's revolutionary and advanced for this time). The most likely outcome would be for Jesus to seek peace and accommodation with the Romans, which might not sit well with his fellow Jews but could resonate with the Romans and Greeks, and we might see a Roman Empire convert to Christianity much earlier. In fact we might see a more peaceable Christianity overall, but considering human nature that might be wishful thinking...