Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet: Bible Story for Kids

The King with a Towel

Humility
Grace
Service

Bible reference:: John 13:1-17
Ages:: 3-10
Reading time:: 6 minutes
Pages:: 32

Jesus washes the disciples' feet - a story told by the basin and towel waiting beside the door. Twelve pairs of filthy feet come into the room that night, and not one of the men picks the basin up. Washing feet is the lowest job in the house. Then Jesus stands.

Good for: Helping Others, Doing Chores, Showing Off

Read the full illustrated story in the app

The story arc

Four moments that carry the story. Tap any Bible reference to read the passage.

1
The Prideful Argument
The disciples arrive for dinner with filthy feet, but everyone is too busy arguing about who is the “greatest” to do the washing.
Luke 22:24 / John 13:2Read the Bible passage
²⁴A dispute also arose amongst them, which of them was considered to be greatest. ²During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,
Luke 22:24 / John 13:2 (World English Bible, British Edition)
2
The Shocking Servant
The room goes silent as Jesus, the King of Heaven, stands up, takes off His robe, and picks up a servant's towel.
John 13:4-5Read the Bible passage
⁴arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel and wrapped a towel around his waist. ⁵Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:4-5 (World English Bible, British Edition)
3
The Resistance
Peter refuses to let his King stoop so low! But Jesus tells him: “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
John 13:6-8Read the Bible passage
⁶Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” ⁷Jesus answered him, “You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.” ⁸Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”
John 13:6-8 (World English Bible, British Edition)
4
The New Greatness
Peter surrenders to Jesus's grace. Jesus tells them that true greatness means low and serving others with a humble heart.
John 13:12-15Read the Bible passage
¹²So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? ¹³You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. ¹⁴If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵For I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you.
John 13:12-15 (World English Bible, British Edition)

Core truths

GRACE

Peter realized he couldn't clean himself. We must first lay down our pride and let Jesus wash our hearts clean.

THE SERVANT KING BADGE

Awarded for remembering that we can only serve others because the King first served us.

SERVICE

Because Jesus washed our hearts with His love, He asks us to take that same love and pick up the towel for others.

Why it matters

Shifts “doing chores” from a secular moral duty into a beautiful, Gospel-fueled calling.
Teaches children that true greatness isn't about worldly power, but sacrificial, downward mobility.
Addresses human pride, showing that we cannot clean ourselves; we desperately need the Savior's grace.