Thirty Pieces: Blood Money

‘Because money is paid to secure Jesus’ death, Matthew may also be suggesting what Matt 20:28 states more clearly: Jesus’ death is a ransom, the price paid to secure a slave’s freedom. That this “blood money” was subsequently used to buy a burial ground for foreigners may hint at what Matthew will explicitly highlight in his closing verses: Jesus’ death makes salvation possible for all the peoples of the world.’

(Craig Blomberg in Commentary on the New Testament use of the Old Testament)