Banana Leaves

This is a photo of cut and folded banana leaves taken in Aceh. If you didn’t know better you might think they were green napkins, and you wouldn’t be far wrong. Banana leaves are often used on Sumatra as serving plates for food. This stack was for sale at the traditional market and will likely be purchased by small roadside restaurant owners.

Looking at these leaves is a reminder of one of the favorite stories of workers here on Sumatra. When Adam and Eve fell into sin they created clothes from tree leaves. It may very well have been from a banana tree. The idea was that the first father and mother wanted to conceal the shame that they felt after breaking God’s rule about the forbidden fruit. Workers point out that judgment fell on the first couple for one sin, and not for murder or adultery or stealing, it was for eating a forbidden fruit. This calls into question the popular idea that mankind can pay for their sins by good works. After all Adam was a prophet and of course had done many good works, but the entire world was cursed for just one sin.

Guilt and shame are a universal problem for all people since the fall. Only the Gospel gives the true answer to the problem of sin that manifests through feelings of guilt and shame. Many peoples on Sumatra are still trying to do enough good works to pay for their sin debt. Good works are like trying to use tree leaves to conceal the shame of disobedience; God will never accept it. The many people groups on Sumatra need to hear the Good News that God Himself has provided a payment for sin and a source of power to live a life that is pleasing in His sight.

Pray that the peoples of Sumatra will realize the futility of trying to pay for sins through good works.

Pray that believers on Sumatra will be bold to share about God’s provision for the problem of guilt and shame.

Pray that believers on Sumatra will walk worthy of their high calling as followers of Jesus Christ.

Pray that all the peoples on Sumatra will have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel.