Men have the authority to punish earthly law breakers with earthly punishments. God is the One who can rightly condemn sinners to hell. Governments cannot. God can also in His grace and mercy provide salvation for those condemned. All sin is sin against God, HE has the absolute right to decree the punishment. Christ was not sinning, as God He was acting well within His rights to punish any sinner at any time.
I actually am a staunch supporter of the death penalty, and of civil authority when it does not exceed its rightful bounds. Keeping order in society is a good thing, but governments are not infallible. The ultimate punishment of sin, and absolute justice are Gods alone.
Well said.