Following Jesus · Part 25 of 40 · 2 min
Jesus Washes His Friends’ Feet
Jesus and his disciples gathered for a special supper. Before they ate, there was a humble task to do.
In those days, dusty roads left people's feet dirty. Washing them was usually the work of a servant.
Jesus got up from the table. He laid aside his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around himself.

He poured water into a basin.
Then he began to wash his disciples' feet and dry them with the towel.

Peter was surprised. He did not want his Master to do such a lowly job for him.
Jesus helped Peter understand that he needed to receive his care. Peter had to learn both to accept love and to give it.
The towel brushed over dusty feet.
Afterward Jesus returned to the table. He explained that he had given them an example.
If their Lord and Teacher was willing to serve, they should be willing to serve one another.

Helping does not make us less important. Jesus showed that love is ready to do even a small, ordinary task.
We can bring water, tidy a space, or help someone who is tired. We follow his example when we serve without demanding praise.

Retelling of John 13:1–17.
Supporting reading: The Desire of Ages, chapter 71. Open the book
Talk about it together
- Humility
- Service
A verse to remember
“For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”
John 13:15NKJV
- What did Jesus do with the water and towel before supper?
- Why do you think Peter was surprised to receive that care?
- How can we accept help gratefully as well as offer it?
Activity · 2–5 minutes
Help and Accept Help
Choose a simple tidying task. First one person helps the other and receives thanks; then switch roles. Discuss how it felt to help and to accept help, without needing applause for the task to matter.
Try it today: We can serve humbly and gratefully receive care from others.
More stories with these values
Memory match
Open the interactive activity or prepare a printable sheet for home, classroom, or family.
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