Then Moses spoke to the Israelites, and they took the blasphemer outside the camp and stoned him. The Israelites did as the Lord commanded Moses. Leviticus 24:23
Out of context, the stories of God's judgment make Him seem harsh and merciless. Blasphemers were stoned by the community, and no one seemed to give it a second thought. The blasphemer's guilt was upon his own head. If his life was cut short, it was his own doing.
It was into this environment that Jesus was born. This was the mindset of those who cried out to have Him crucified. In their opinion, He was a blasphemer. To them, there was no other option.
Praise the Lord! God is all about options. His judgment, in the context of mercy, is all about protecting His children from everlasting death. He took the judgment upon Himself. He died in order to save us. Because of Him, we will live forever in His presence.
Thank You, Jesus, for loving me as You do.