Why did Jesus have to die? Was there no other way?

Chuck Smith read Gethsemane as the answer: the cup "did not pass from Him," which "indicates that there is only one way by which salvation or redemption for man is possible." Jesus asked, "if it be possible, let this cup pass from me" (Matthew 26:39), and then drank it. Read Chuck on Hebrews 5:7 in the reader. Chuck Smith commentary used by permission of The Word For Today.

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-13.