Redemptive Details
“The chief priests picked up the coins and said, ‘It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.’ So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: ‘They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.’”—Matthew 27:6–10 (NIV)
Have you ever had to summarize a story after reading it? I remember writing tons of summaries for classes growing up. It helps with reading comprehension, but it also requires you to eliminate details that seem unimportant. Sometimes, the details found in today’s passage can be overlooked or forgotten because they feel unimportant. The beautiful thing about the gospels; however, is that they share details that can always point us to God and help other aspects of His character be revealed in some way.
Before we see how this happens in our Scripture, let’s first take a look at what’s actually taking place in this moment. We just read that Judas took his own life after feeling guilty for betraying Jesus. Before he did that, he tried to return the silver. When the priests refused, Judas threw the silver into the temple. Picking up in verse six today, we see the chief priests take the coins from the ground and put them to use. They couldn’t pocket it or put it in their treasury because it was blood money. This detail alone shows us that the priests and officials knew exactly what they were doing when they plotted to arrest and kill Jesus. They knew this money was tainted because of their evil actions, yet they decided to use it to buy what is called “the potter’s field.”
What’s more important than this is what the potter’s field was actually used for. The potter’s field became a place for foreigners to be buried. Not only did this fulfill some Old Testament prophecies, but it also shows us more of God’s heart. Foreigners, those who lack belonging although they crave it, never go unseen by our heavenly Father. This field would allow for them to be remembered, too. Although it was bought with the same money that handed Jesus over to his death, it was still ultimately used for something compassionate. We serve a God of compassion and redemption, and Jesus’ act on the cross was one of compassion and redemption. It’s amazing to see how even a small detail like this was noticed by God and turned into another instance of His goodness.
What I love about our God is that He’s the ultimate storyteller and author. He always writes stories of redemption and hope. Every detail is meaningful, even if we don’t see it right away. The priests probably never understood that what they did was still under the ultimate control and plan of God—not just with the potter’s field and the blood money, but with their entire plan to murder Jesus.
When you look back on your life, you can see how God has used evil and darkness to usher in His goodness and light. Take a moment today to reflect on this. Whether it’s your own mistakes or the brokenness of the world around you, God wants to step in and shower you with compassion, grace, and love, yet also call you to a better life. This better life is one that requires surrender and a daily commitment to follow Jesus despite all the costs! I can promise you, though, the costs are worth it. God’s goodness will always reign!
Pause: Reflect on how God has taken evil, sin, or brokenness in your life and used it for good.
Practice: After reflecting, take a moment to pray and thank God for each of these things. Then, pray for another specific area in your life where you want to see Him write another story of redemption!
Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God of redemption! I don’t want to be like the Pharisees and priests who not only betrayed You but were ignorant of Your compassion and sovereignty. I know You are good, You are faithful, and You are the greatest author of all time! I surrender my life and story to You. I give you my desires, my struggles, and my dreams—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Make it new and pleasing in your sight. Redeem every detail. Amen.