Unlike most of the Holy Week stories, the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet is only told in the Gospel of John. This story happens alongside the Last Supper. If you did not teach that lesson, or are unfamiliar with it, you can review it beforehand.
This story is straightforward and should be read directly from the Bible to understand it. However, here are some highlights.
Also, it should be noticed that some denominations consider foot washing a third ordinance (along with baptism and the Lord's Supper). If your denomination has specific beliefs about foot washing, feel free to include those in your teaching to the children.
To put this story in context, see this visualization of the chronology of Holy Week. In this visualization, this story falls within the "Last Supper" section.
What things do you do that make your feet dirty or smelly? Does anyone have smelly feet right now?
Would you want to wash someone else's feet that are really dirty or smelly?
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read the story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or read directly from the Bible.
While you are teaching them the story, consider putting on sandals and making your feet dirty with sand or dirt to show them why foot washing was so important.
If you only do one reinforcement activity this week, we strongly urge you to do the "Wash the Student's Feet" activity. Give them an example of someone who they would see in an authority role choosing to become their servant.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: John 13:1-17
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Heads up! We considered making this the only activity for this lesson. Why should we not wash each other's feet? This activity should take precedence over any other activities. The other activities are simply additional options should you have time.
Scripture I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet. So you also should wash one another's feet. I have given you an example. You should do as I have done for you. John 13:14-15
Supplies water, container, towels
Scripture So he got up from the meal and took off his outer clothes. He wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a large bowl. Then he began to wash his disciples' feet. He dried them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:4-5
Supplies paper, pencils
Supplies two dish pans, two wash cloths, water, two chairs
Scripture After that, he poured water into a large bowl. Then he began to wash his disciples' feet. He dried them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:5
Supplies bowl printout, paper, feet printout (if using), pencils, paper, crayons, glue, small piece of cloth
Scripture So he got up from the meal and took off his outer clothes. He wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a large bowl. Then he began to wash his disciples' feet. He dried them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:4-5
Supplies bubbles, bare feet, chairs
Scripture Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs to wash only his feet. The rest of his body is clean. And you are clean. But not all of you are." John 13:10
Supplies pickling salt or course salt, epsom salt, food coloring, essential oil, baby food jars, bowls to mix, spoons, ribbon