Matthew 27:7 (KJV) reads, "And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in."

This verse comes in the midst of the account of Judas' betrayal of Jesus, and its aftermath. Judas, filled with remorse for his actions, returns the thirty pieces of silver he was given to betray Jesus to the chief priests and elders in the temple. In their rejection of the blood money, they decide that it is not lawful to put the money into the treasury, since it was the price of blood. Instead, they take counsel and use the money to buy "the potter's field, to bury strangers in."

One way to interpret this verse is in its historical and cultural context. In ancient Jewish tradition, the idea of a "potter's field" would have likely been a place where rejected or broken vessels were discarded. This field would have been considered unfit for agricultural purposes, and instead would have been used as a common burial ground for unidentified or impoverished individuals. In this way, the purchase of the potter's field with the blood money exemplifies the way in which the religious leaders recoil from the guilt of their actions by using the money for a "charitable" purpose – burying strangers.

However, there is a deeper significance to this verse that is relevant to the overarching themes of the Gospel of Matthew. The purchase of the potter's field serves as a symbol of the consequences of sin and the rejection of Jesus as the promised Messiah. The thirty pieces of silver that Judas receives for betraying Jesus serve as a motif that ties the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah to the events of Jesus' crucifixion. In Zechariah 11:12-13, it is prophesied that the Messiah would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, and the rejection of this blood money by the religious leaders mirrors the fulfillment of this prophecy. The purchase of the potter's field serves as a reminder of the tragic consequences of rejecting Jesus as the long-awaited Savior.

Furthermore, the act of buying the potter's field to bury strangers reflects the theme of redemption and restoration that is central to the Gospel. While the religious leaders sought to wash their hands of the guilt of their actions, the purchase of the potter's field ultimately becomes a foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness and salvation to all – including strangers and outcasts. The potter's field serves as a powerful symbol of Jesus' ability to transform what is broken and rejected into something of value and dignity.

In conclusion, Matthew 27:7 holds a rich and multi-layered meaning that resonates with the overarching themes of the Gospel of Matthew. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this verse, we are challenged to consider our own response to Jesus and His message of redemption, and to seek the transformative power of His grace in our lives.