Quick Question

If the crucifixion was such a central moment to the Christian moral code some questions come to mind. What would have happened if Jesus had not been crucified? If it was meant to happen then were those who crucified Jesus simply fulfilling a divine plan? If so were the individuals who crucified Jesus: a) morally evil as having murdered and tortured someone? b) Heroes because they were responsible for the great act of Jesus being martyred for our sins? or c) simply God's pawns fulfilling the prophecy, in which case where does free will come in to play?