John 13:1-17

1It was nearly time for the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that he would soon leave this world and to go to the Father. He had always loved those who were his own people in the world. He continued to love them to the end.

2Jesus and his disciples were eating supper. The Devil had already put an idea into the mind of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son. The idea was to sell Jesus to his enemies.

3Jesus knew that the Father had given him power over everything. He knew that he had come from God. And he knew that he would soon return to God.

4So, during the meal, he stood up. He took off the coat that he wore over his other clothes. He tied a piece of cloth round himself.

5Then he poured water into a bowl and he began to wash the disciples' feet. Jesus made their feet dry with the cloth that was round him.

6Jesus came to Simon Peter. Peter asked him, ‘Lord, will you really wash my feet?’

7Jesus answered him, ‘You do not understand now what I am doing. But you will understand in the future.’

8Peter said, ‘No! You will never wash my feet!’ Jesus answered, ‘If I do not wash you, you do not belong with me.’

9Simon Peter replied, ‘So Lord, do not wash my feet only! Wash my hands and my head too!’

10Jesus said, ‘A person who has washed his whole body is completely clean. He needs only to wash his feet. And all of you are clean, except one of you.’

11Jesus knew already who would sell him to his enemies. That is why he said, ‘Not every one of you is clean.’

12When he had finished washing the disciples' feet, Jesus put on his coat. He returned to his place at the meal. He asked them, ‘I want you to understand what I have just done for you.

13You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right. That is what I am.

14I am your Teacher and your Lord, but I have washed your feet. So you also should wash each other's feet.

15I have given you an example. You should do the same for others as I have done for you.

16I tell you this: No servant is more important than his master is. No messenger is more important than the person who sent him with a message.

17Now you understand these things. So you should do them, and God will bless you.’