John 13:3-17 ▼

3 Because Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his control, that he had come from God, and that he was returning to God,

4 therefore he got up from the table, removed his outer robe, and took a towel and fastened it around his waist.

5 Then he poured some water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel that was tied around his waist.

6 Then he came to Simon Peter, who asked him, |Lord, are you going to wash my feet?|

7 Jesus answered him, |You don't realize now what I'm doing, but later on you'll understand.|

8 Peter told him, |You must never wash my feet!| Jesus answered him, |Unless I wash you, you cannot be involved with me.|

9 Simon Peter told him, |Lord, not just my feet, but my hands and my head as well!|

10 Jesus told him, |Whoever has bathed is entirely clean. He doesn't need to wash himself further, except for his feet. And you men are clean, though not all of you.|

11 For he knew who was going to betray him. That's why he said, |Not all of you are clean.|

12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer robe, he sat down again and told them, |Do you realize what I've done to you?

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

14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you must also wash one another's feet.

15 I've set an example for you, so that you may do as I have done to you.

16 Truly, I tell all of you emphatically, a servant isn't greater than his master, and a messenger isn't greater than the one who sent him.

17 If you understand these things, how blessed you are if you put them into practice!