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.
This story is fairly straightforward and should be read directly from the Bible. Unlike most of the Holy Week stories, this one 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.
get your kids talking and engaged
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?
teach a holistic story
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.
give them basic Bible skills
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: John 13:1-17
make sure they understand the story
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
help them apply the story to their lives and open up a conversation about faith and the gospel; close with prayer
hide God's Word in their heartBelieve in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. (Acts 16:31 ESV)