The Beginning: Jesus gathers with his disciples in Jerusalem to eat the Passover meal. Knowing his hour is near, he shares the meal with them in the shadow of coming suffering. During the supper, he rises, lays aside his outer garment, and prepares to serve them.
The Middle: Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, a task normally performed by a servant, and explains that this act reflects his love and sets an example of humble service. Peter resists at first, but Jesus tells him that unless he is washed, he cannot share in Jesus. Jesus then speaks of betrayal from within the group and identifies Judas, who departs into the night. In the meal tradition remembered in the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus takes bread and a cup, gives thanks, and speaks of his body and blood, linking the meal to the covenant and to the forgiveness of sins.
The End: Jesus instructs his disciples about faithfulness and love, preparing them for what is about to happen. They finish the meal, and Jesus indicates that he will not drink the fruit of the vine again until God’s kingdom. They leave the room and go out toward the Mount of Olives, moving into the events that lead directly to his arrest.
This scene gathers Jesus’ self-giving mission into word and deed: he stoops to cleanse and serve, revealing God’s character as holy love expressed through humility. The meal’s bread and cup interpret his approaching death as covenantal—Jesus gives himself for others, and his blood is associated with forgiveness and the inauguration of God’s saving purposes. Together, the washing and the supper show that participation in Jesus involves both receiving his cleansing and being shaped by his sacrificial love.
In the ancient Mediterranean world, foot washing was a practical necessity because people traveled dusty roads in sandals; it was typically done by a servant or host’s household staff. By taking this role himself, Jesus deliberately reverses normal status expectations, turning a common act of hospitality into a visible sign of servant leadership within the community.
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” — John 13:14
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. What did Jesus do during the supper that was normally performed by a servant?
2. After Judas was identified as the betrayer, what did he do?