John 13 · Grade 5
Love to the End
Read and Think
John 13 begins the long Upper Room section, Jesus' final teaching before the cross. John writes, Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. Knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, Jesus did something shocking. He laid aside His garments, took a towel, and washed His disciples' feet. In that culture, this was a task for a servant. This act pictured what Jesus came to do: the Son of God humbled Himself to make sinners clean, as Philippians 2 describes.
Peter refused at first, then asked to be washed all over. Jesus explained that someone who has bathed only needs his feet washed. Those who belong to Him are cleansed, though they still need daily cleansing from sin. Then Jesus said, I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you. True greatness in God's kingdom is humble service.
Jesus washed His friends' feet, knowing one would betray Him. Troubled in spirit, Jesus identified the betrayer by giving him a piece of bread. Judas left, and it was night, both outside and in his heart. Then Jesus spoke of His glory and gave a new commandment. Love one another; just like I have loved you, you also love one another. The newness is in the standard: as I have loved you. This love would mark His followers before the world. When Peter vowed loyalty, Jesus foretold his threefold denial. Even so, Jesus' love for Peter would not fail.
Show What You Know
What does Jesus' foot washing picture about His mission?
What did Jesus mean by saying one who has bathed needs only his feet washed?
What did Jesus do for His friends even though He knew one would betray Him?
What makes the commandment to love one another new?
What does It was night suggest about Judas?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- This act pictured what Jesus came to do: the Son of humbled Himself to make sinners clean, as Philippians 2 describes.
- refused at first, then asked to be washed all over.
- Jesus explained that someone who has bathed only needs his washed.
- Then Jesus said, I have given you an , that you should also do as I have done to you.
- one another; just like I have loved you, you also love one another.
Think About It
Jesus served Judas, knowing what he would do. How can you show kindness to someone who has hurt you?
How would your family or church change if everyone loved as Jesus loves?
Memory Verse
“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.”
John 13:5 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- What humble job could you do this week?
- Jesus said people will know we are His by our love. What would others notice about your love?
- Peter did not know his own weakness. Why is it wise to lean on Jesus and not on your own promises?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.