John 13:1-17

It was almost time for the Jewish Passover Feast. Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. He had always loved those who were his own in the world, and he loved them all the way to the end. Jesus and his followers were at the evening meal. The devil had already persuaded Judas Iscariot to turn against Jesus. (Judas was the son of Simon.) Jesus knew that the Father had given him power over everything. He also knew that he had come from God and was going back to God. So during the meal Jesus stood up and took off his outer clothing. Taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers’ feet. He dried them with the towel that was wrapped around him. Jesus came to Simon Peter. But Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You don’t understand what I am doing now. But you will understand later.” Peter said, “No! You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash your feet, then you are not one of my people.” Simon Peter answered, “Lord, after you wash my feet, wash my hands and my head, too!” Jesus said, “After a person has had a bath, his whole body is clean. He needs only to wash his feet. And you men are clean, but not all of you.” Jesus knew who would turn against him. That is why Jesus said, “Not all of you are clean.” When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and sat down again. Jesus asked, “Do you understand what I have just done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ And this is right, because that is what I am. I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet. So you also should wash each other’s feet. I did this as an example for you. So you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth. A servant is not greater than his master. A messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you will be happy if you do them.