jesus and sacrifice

It probably feels like a cop-out, but one could hypothetically respond by saying that the temporary loss of the son sufficed in the Almighty's eyes. He could have drowned everybody on Earth, much like in the book of Genesis, but in His mercy He toned down the penalty to one temporary sacrifice, which has impressed millions. He could have made a sacrifice of a more permanent nature (as a few Christians believe), but that would have complicated His benevolence.

Not a perfect explanation by any means, but I am no Christian, so I am not the best source to consult on this. My own view of the matter is more complicated...