Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet - Bible Lessons for Kids
The story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet is a powerful Bible lesson in humility, love, and what it means to serve others. There are many engaging ways to teach kids this meaningful Bible story, and in this blog, I’ll share my favorite YouTube videos, hands-on crafts, interactive activities, and printable lesson plans. These ideas make it easy for parents and Sunday school leaders to help children understand that true leadership means caring for and serving others.
STORY OF JESUS WASHING HIS DISCIPLES’ FEET
John 13:1-17 tells the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. Jesus and His disciples were gathered for a meal when Jesus got up and wrapped a towel around His waist. Then He started to wash His disciples’ feet. When Jesus was done, He instructed the disciples to do the same for others. He was teaching them to serve others humbly with love.
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet - Bible Lessons for Kids
Looking for a grab-and-go lesson to help kids learn what it means to serve others? Be sure to check out our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts for kids aged 3 to 8.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT JESUS WASHING HIS DISCIPLES’ FEET
In Bible times, people wore sandals and walked everywhere. Streets were dusty and dirty, so when they arrived at someone's house, their feet would be covered in mud. Usually, it was a servant's job to wash people's feet. However, Jesus decided to wash His disciples' feet rather than have a servant do it.
By washing His disciples' feet, Jesus showed what it looked like to lead by serving. Jesus calls us to love others, and we can do so by serving and helping them… even when the task is a little messy and we’d rather not do it.
I can serve others - CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS
Take time for kids to brainstorm ways they can serve others and record them on the “I can serve others” worksheet provided in Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet for Older Kids. Encourage them to reflect on what serving looks like, and challenge them to serve with love, as Jesus showed us.
Then complete a printable lunchbox craft. A lunch box is typically used to serve lunch, and this craft will be a visual reminder that we want to serve others just like Jesus did.
For this craft, have kids use the template pieces provided in Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet for Older Kids. They will color, cut, and assemble their lunch box. Then they will insert the serving ideas cards into their lunchboxes. Encourage kids to write their own ideas (brainstormed on the “I can serve others” worksheet) on the blank cards.
poster craft FOR PRESCHOOL and kindergarten
The “I Can Serve Like Jesus” poster is a simple but meaningful way to help preschoolers connect with the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. Kids can decorate the footprints on the poster as a reminder that Jesus wants us to go and help others with kindness and love. As children work, talk about simple ways they can serve the people around them, like helping clean up, sharing, or being kind to a friend.
For an extra memorable version of the craft, kids can make real painted footprints on the blank poster template instead of using the pre-printed footprints. This option is especially fun for younger children and creates a keepsake parents will love. However, using painted footprints can get messy quickly, so it helps to have a plan for washing feet right away. One easy option is to do footprints one child at a time while the rest of the group works on their take-home worksheet or coloring page.
OTHER CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE STORY “JESUS WASHES HIS DISCIPLES’ FEET”
Footprint Art: Have kids trace their footprints on a piece of construction paper. Then cut them out and glue them onto a large piece of paper. Kids can decorate their footprints and write the words “Walk in Jesus’ example and serve others humbly” or something similar.
Washing Objects: Cover objects with washable brown paint and have kids work together to wash them off. They can wash the objects with soap and water or use wet paper towels to clean them.
Towel and Water Relays: Use a small towel to soak up water from a bucket. Then run the soaked towel to the bucket at the other side of the relay. Squeeze the towel into the bucket. The team that can fill its bucket first wins. **This relay would best be done outside.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS for the story jesus washes his disciples feet
Below are some suggestions for YouTube videos about Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. And as always, please preview any videos you show your kids to ensure they are age-appropriate and match what you want to teach.
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE LIFE OF JESUS?
This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the life of Jesus. Other lessons in this series include Jesus Calls His Disciples, Jesus Tempted in the Desert, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Let the Little Children Come to Me, The Great Commission, Zacchaeus, and The Transfiguration.
For more Life of Jesus Bible Lessons, check out: