2 billion Christians alive today (and millions more throughout history) believe that Christ was crucified. Astonishingly, Muslims believe that all Christians have been deceived; Christ was not crucified! Surely, Allah is the "Best of the Deceivers."

In Quran 4:157 we read: "And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we [the Jews] have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah ." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them." [Sahih International translation]. 
 
Is there ANY LOGICAL REASON why this deception was necessary?
Why would Jesus and Allah want someone else to undergo the intense pain of crucifixion -- Was Jesus too much of a coward?
Why does Allah further deceive by claiming that the Jews regarded Jesus as their "Messiah," and as a "Messenger of  Allah?"