John 13:1 to 13:17 Jesus showed us the greatest love by serving others, and he calls us to help and serve each other with kind hearts. Understand why washing dusty feet was a servant's job in Bible times. See how Jesus surprised his friends by kneeling down to wash their feet. Learn one kind way to help a friend or family member this week. In Jesus' day, people walked on dusty roads wearing open sandals. Usually, the lowest household servant washed guests' dirty feet before dinner. Dusty Roads and Tired Feet In the land where Jesus lived, people walked everywhere along dry dirt roads wearing leather sandals. By the time they arrived anywhere, their feet were dusty and tired. When guests entered a house for dinner, the lowest servant would bring a basin of cool water and a towel to wash the dust from their feet so they could eat comfortably. The Master Kneels Down On the evening before Passover, Jesus and his disciples gathered in an upper room for dinner. None of the disciples wanted to do the dirty job of washing feet. But during supper, Jesus stood up, took off his outer robe, and tied a linen towel around his waist. He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel. The disciples were completely astonished that their Master was washing their feet! An Example to Follow When Jesus finished, he put on his robe and sat down again. He asked them, 'Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and that is right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.' Jesus showed that true greatness means serving other people with humble love. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. John 13:15 What did Jesus wrap around his waist when preparing to wash feet? A linen towel A golden belt A royal blanket A leather strap A linen towel John 13:4 tells us Jesus took a towel and tied it around his waist like a humble servant. Why were the disciples surprised when Jesus washed their feet? Because Jesus was their Teacher and Lord, yet he did the servant's job Because the water was freezing cold Because they did not want to eat dinner Because they wanted to go fishing Because Jesus was their Teacher and Lord, yet he did the servant's job Jesus is the King and Lord, but he humbled himself to serve his friends. What did Jesus tell his disciples to do after washing their feet? Follow his example and serve one another with love Make other people serve them Never walk on dusty roads again Buy new shoes immediately Follow his example and serve one another with love Jesus gave us a living example of humility and kindness toward others. Look for one helpful job to do at home this week without being asked, such as picking up your toys or clearing dinner plates. Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us how to love by serving. Forgive me when I am selfish or proud. Give me a kind and humble heart to help my parents, teachers, and friends. In your name, Amen. How would you feel if a great teacher or king washed your feet? What is one practical way you can serve someone in your family today? Early readers learn that Jesus modeled humble servant leadership, encouraging children to serve others at home and school. Bring a clean water basin and a soft white towel. Ask the children who usually cleans dirty things at home, and reveal how Jesus surprised everyone by doing the lowliest job himself! Did Peter want Jesus to wash his feet at first? No, Peter felt too unworthy! But Jesus explained that allowing him to wash our feet is a picture of how Jesus washes away our sins. 5 min Basin Hook, 15 min Story Exposition, 10 min Memory Verse Unscramble, 10 min Discussion, 5 min Prayer