“Before the festival of the Passover began, Jesus realized that the time had come for him to leave this world and return to the Father. He had loved those who were His own in this world and He loved them to the end. ..rose from the supper table, took off His outer clothes, picked up a towel and fastened it round His waist. Then He poured water into the basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry then with the towel around His waist.
When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His clothes, He sat down again and spoke to them, “Do you realize what I have just done to you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘Lord’ and you are quite right, for I am your teacher and your Lord. But if I, your teacher and Lord, have washed your feet, you must be ready to wash one another’s feet. I have given you this as an example so that you may do as I have done. Believe me, the servant is not greater than his master and the messenger is not greater than the man who sent him. Once you have realized these things, you will find your happiness in doing them.”
John 13 (Phillips Translation)
