John 13:7-17

7 Jesus answered him, "You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later."

8 Peter declared, "Never at any time will you wash my feet!" "If I do not wash your feet," Jesus answered, "you will no longer be my disciple."

9 Simon Peter answered, "Lord, do not wash only my feet, then! Wash my hands and head, too!"

10 Jesus said, "Those who have taken a bath are completely clean and do not have to wash themselves, except for their feet. All of you are clean - all except one.

11 (Jesus already knew who was going to betray him; that is why he said, "All of you, except one, are clean.")

12 After Jesus had washed their feet, he put his outer garment back on and returned to his place at the table. "Do you understand what I have just done to you?" he asked. ¹

13 "You call me Teacher and Lord, and it is right that you do so, because that is what I am.

14 I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet. You, then, should wash one another's feet.

15 I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you.

16 I am telling you the truth: no slaves are greater than their master, and no messengers are greater than the one who sent them. ²

17 Now that you know this truth, how happy you will be if you put it into practice!

Cross References

• 1. 13.12-15Luke 22.27.
• 2. 13.16Matthew 10.24;Luke 6.40;John 15.20.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Some manuscripts do not have] except for their feet.