John 13
Jesus washes the disciples' feet
Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came from God and was going to God, arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then 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. Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?”
Jesus answered him, “You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.”
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”
Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
Jesus said to him, “Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” For he knew him who would betray him; therefore he said, “You are not all clean.” So 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? You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you. Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither is one who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I don’t speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.’ From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am he. Most certainly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me.”
Before Passover, at supper, Jesus ties a towel around his waist and washes his disciples' feet; Peter refuses at first, then asks to be washed all over. Jesus explains that he has given them an example: if their Lord and Teacher washes their feet, they should wash one another's. He also hints that one of them will betray him.
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Scripture connection · Quotation · presented as fulfilled
John 13:18 quotes Psalm 41:9
Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, has lifted up his heel against me.
Psalm 41:9 · WEB A psalm of betrayal by a trusted companion who shared one's bread, applied to Judas.
What does this mean?
"Girded himself" (KJV) means tied the towel around his waist like a servant. "Bason" is an old spelling of basin. "Lifted up his heel against me" is an image of betrayal by a close companion.
Historical context
Roads were dusty and people wore sandals, so washing guests' feet on arrival was customary. It was a menial task, usually done by servants or slaves, not by a host or teacher. John places this meal "before the feast of the Passover" (13:1), while Matthew, Mark and Luke present the Last Supper as a Passover meal; scholars explain the difference in various ways.
Why does it matter?
John does not describe the bread and wine of the Last Supper; this act takes its place in his account. Christians have understood it as a model of humble service, and some churches practise foot-washing as a ritual, especially on the Thursday before Easter. Interpreters also see it as a picture of the cleansing Jesus' death brings.
Editorial notes, not scripture.