[I needed to park this thought somewhere; so why not here - I began responding to a facebook post and thought - not here - no one really talks on social media]
Jesus isn't a device or mechanism we need - that's what's problematic (among other things with most atonement theories [for a good run down of those check out Peter Schmiechen's Saving Power]). I don't know if you were using "need' in that kind of "means to an end" kind of argument. Still, consider what you need anyone for - or better yet, what you need lungs for. Knowing Jesus is the end or goal of Christianity for each person.