John 13 teaches children that Jesus served his friends by washing their dirty feet, and that we should serve each other the same way. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including a short activity.
Big Idea
Jesus was the Lord, but he chose to do the job of the lowest servant. We can show love by helping others, even when the job is humble.
Memory Verse
John 13:14
If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
(WEB)
Ask children to cup both hands together like a bowl, then rub their palms in a gentle circle as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, faster each time, so the words and the motion stick.
The Story: John 13 for Kids
It was almost time for the Passover feast in Jerusalem. Jesus knew that his time on earth was almost over, and he loved his friends, the disciples, very much. They gathered in a room to eat supper together, reclining around the table with their sandals off after a long, dusty walk.
Jesus stood up from the table. He took off his outer robe and tied a towel around his waist, like the servants did. Then he poured water into a basin and knelt down to wash the feet of each disciple, one by one, and dried them with the towel.
When Jesus came to Peter, Peter was surprised. “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” he asked. Jesus said, “You won’t understand what I am doing now, but you will understand later.” Peter said he would never let Jesus wash his feet, but Jesus told him that he needed to be washed to belong to him.
After he had washed their feet, Jesus put his robe back on and sat down. He asked them, “Do you know what I have done for you?” He reminded them that he was their Teacher and Lord, and that if he had washed their feet, they should also be willing to wash one another’s feet.
Later, Jesus told the disciples that they should love one another just as he had loved them. He said that people would know they were his followers by the way they loved each other. Then Peter said he would follow Jesus anywhere, but Jesus told him that Peter would deny knowing him three times before the rooster crowed.
Read It Together
John 13:4-5
4 Arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
(WEB)
Point out how Jesus, who was the Lord of everything, got up from the table and took the place of a servant. Ask children what kind of job a servant would normally do, and why that might surprise the disciples.
John 13:15
For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
(WEB)
Show children that Jesus said he had given them an example to follow. Explain that an example is something you copy, so Jesus is asking his friends to serve others the same way he did.
John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(WEB)
Point out the word “new,” and explain that Jesus gave his friends a fresh command about love. Help children see that people can recognize Jesus’ followers by how they treat each other.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus do for his friends that was surprising?
- Why do you think Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet at first?
- What is a job at home or school that feels like a servant’s job?
- How did Jesus show that he loved his friends in this story?
- Who is one person you could serve this week, and how could you do it?
Activity Ideas
Towel and Basin Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a picture of Jesus kneeling with a towel around his waist and a basin of water beside him. Have them add the disciples’ feet in the picture, and let them color it while you talk about the story.
Servant Relay Game
You will need a small bowl, a cup of water, a clean cloth, and a few toy cars or cotton balls. Have children carry the cup of water to a friend without spilling, then dry the friend’s hands with the cloth. Explain that the game is a way to practice serving each other, just as Jesus did.
Take-Home Helper Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a hole punch with string. Have each child write one way they will serve someone at home this week, such as folding laundry or helping a sibling. Punch a hole in the corner, tie the string, and encourage them to hang it on their bedroom door as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that Jesus, who had all authority, chose to serve in the lowest way. His act of washing feet is an example of humility, and it points forward to the greater act of love he would show on the cross. Christian leadership in this passage means serving others, not seeking honor.
Avoid suggesting to children that they must earn God’s love by doing good deeds, or that serving others makes them clean before God. The point is that Jesus loves us first, and our service grows out of that love. Keep the focus on Jesus’ example rather than a rule to follow.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and showing us how to serve. Help us to be kind and helpful to others, just like you were. Show us today one way we can help someone we love. Amen.
