Washing the Disciples’ Feet

13:1 Just before the Passover feast, Jesus knew that his time1 had come to depart2 from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now loved them to the very end.3 13:2 The evening meal4 was in progress, and the devil had already put into the heart5 of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, that he should betray6 Jesus.7 13:3 Because Jesus8 knew that the Father had handed all things over to him,9 and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 13:4 he got up from the meal, removed10 his outer clothes,11 took a towel and tied it around himself.12 13:5 He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel he had wrapped around himself.13

13:6 Then he came to Simon Peter. Peter14 said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash15 my feet?” 13:7 Jesus replied,16 “You do not understand17 what I am doing now, but you will understand18 after these things.” 13:8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!”19 Jesus replied,20 “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”21 13:9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, wash22 not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” 13:10 Jesus replied,23 “The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet,24 but is completely25 clean.26 And you disciples27 are clean, but not every one of you.” 13:11 (For Jesus28 knew the one who was going to betray him. For this reason he said, “Not every one of you is29 clean.”)30

13:12 So when Jesus31 had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table32 again and said to them, “Do you understand33 what I have done for you? 13:13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly,34 for that is what I am.35 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. 13:15 For I have given you an example36—you should do just as I have done for you. 13:16 I tell you the solemn truth,37 the slave38 is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger39 greater than the one who sent him. 13:17 If you understand40 these things, you will be blessed if you do them.