KIDS MINISTRY LESSON PLAN
LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In John 13:1-17, we find Jesus gathering with His disciples during the Passover celebration in Jerusalem. This was a sacred time for the Jewish people, and Jesus used this moment to teach His followers an important lesson about service and love. During the meal, Jesus did something unexpected. He got up from the table, wrapped a towel around His waist, poured water into a basin, and began washing the feet of His disciples. This was a task normally done by servants, yet Jesus, their Teacher and Lord, humbly served them.
When Jesus came to Peter, Peter protested because he did not understand why Jesus would do such a humble task. Jesus explained that He was setting an example for them to follow. After washing all their feet, Jesus told them that if He, their Lord and Teacher, had served them in this way, they should also serve one another. Jesus taught that true happiness comes from serving God by serving others. He showed His disciples that loving others through humble service brings blessing and joy.
OPENING ACTIVITY 10:15-10:30 | Dirty to Clean Science Activity
Items Needed:
- Clear plastic cups
- Water
- Dirt or cocoa powder
- Coffee filters or paper towels
- Funnels
Mix water with dirt or cocoa powder in cups to make “dirty water.” Show the children how we can make dirty things clean by pouring the dirty water through a coffee filter into a clean cup. The water becomes clearer on the other side. Explain that Jesus washes away our sins and makes us clean, just like He washed the disciples’ feet to make them clean.
BIBLE VERSE GAME 10:30-10:40 | John 13:15 (Copy Cat)
Items Needed
“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” John 13:15 ESV
- “For I have given you” (point to self, then give motion with hands extended)
- “an example” (frame face with hands like showing a picture)
- “that you also should do” (point to children, then clap hands together)
- “just as I have done to you” (march in place)
- “John 13:15” (hold up one hand then three fingers, then one finger and five fingers)
Start slowly, saying the verse and doing the motions together. Then speed it up! Next, play “Copy Cat” where you do the motions and children echo them while saying the verse. Finally, let children take turns being the leader who does the motions while everyone follows and says the verse together. This reinforces that we follow Jesus’ example.
SONG 10:40-10:50
BIBLE STORY 10:50-11:00 a.m.
Question 1: Where is this found in the Bible? The Book of John
Question 2: Is this in the Old Testament or New Testament? New Testament
The Story of Jesus Washing Feet
A long, long time ago, Jesus and His special friends, called disciples, were eating dinner together. There were many people in the city because it was a special celebration time called Passover. Everyone was happy and excited.
While they were eating, Jesus did something very surprising. He stood up from the table, got a towel, and wrapped it around His waist like an apron. Then He poured water into a big bowl called a basin.
Can you guess what Jesus did next? He went to each of His friends and washed their feet! In Bible times, people wore sandals and walked on dusty, dirty roads. Their feet got very dirty. Usually, a servant would wash people’s feet when they came to visit, but Jesus was the Teacher! He was the most important person there, but He chose to wash His friends’ feet.
One friend named Peter said, “No, Jesus! You shouldn’t wash my feet!” But Jesus explained that He was showing them something very important. Jesus wanted to teach His friends that we should help and serve each other.
After Jesus washed everyone’s feet, He sat back down and said, “Do you understand what I just did? You call me Teacher and Lord, and that is right. But if I washed your feet, then you should wash each other’s feet too. I’m showing you how to love and help each other.”
Jesus taught us that when we help others, when we serve others, and when we are kind to others, we are doing what makes God happy. Jesus showed His love by serving His friends, and He wants us to serve others too!
Theological Questions:
- Who washed the disciples’ feet? (Jesus washed His disciples’ feet)
- Why did Jesus wash His friends’ feet? (To show them how to love and serve others)
Life Application Questions:
- What are some ways you can help at home? (Pick up toys, help set the table, give hugs, share)
- Who can you serve this week? (Mommy, daddy, brother, sister, friend, teacher)
Prayer:
“Dear Jesus, thank You for teaching us how to love and serve others. Help us to be kind helpers at home and with our friends. We want to follow Your example every day. Amen.”
BIBLE CRAFT 11:00-11:15 a.m. | Wash Disciples Feet
Items Needed
- Washing Feet Template (on cardstock)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Blue crayons
- Glitter (optional)
- Construction paper
Have children past the basin onto a piece of construction paper. Then have them
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
John 13:1-17 (KJV)
¹ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
² And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
³ Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
⁴ He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
⁵ After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
⁶ Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
⁷ Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
⁸ Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
⁹ Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
¹⁰ Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
¹¹ For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
¹² So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
¹³ Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
¹⁴ If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
¹⁵ For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
¹⁶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
¹⁷ If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
COLORING PAGE
ChatGPT Prompt for Coloring Page:
“Create a simple black and white coloring page for preschool children (ages 3-5) showing Jesus kneeling down and washing a disciple’s feet. Jesus should be wearing a simple robe with a towel wrapped around His waist. There should be a basin of water nearby. The scene should be gentle and friendly. Include a small table with food in the background to show it’s during a meal. Keep all lines thick and clear, with large areas to color. Make the image warm and welcoming. At the bottom, include the text ‘Jesus Teaches Us to Serve’ in large, simple letters. The style should be appropriate for young children with no small details.”
PARENT TAKE HOME SHEET
Today’s Key Takeaway:
Serve Like Jesus
What I learned today:
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet during Passover to show them how to serve others. He taught that we should help and serve one another because that’s how we show love. When we serve others, we follow Jesus’ example and it makes God happy.
Questions to ask me:
Theological Questions:
- Who washed the disciples’ feet at dinner? (Jesus washed the disciples’ feet)
- What did Jesus use to wash His friends’ feet? (Water and a towel)
- Was Jesus a servant or a teacher? (Jesus was both, He was a teacher who served)
- Where do we find this story in the Bible? (In the Book of John in the New Testament)
- Why did Jesus wash His friends’ feet? (To teach them to serve and love each other)
Life Application Questions: 6. What is one way you can help mommy or daddy at home? (Pick up toys, help set the table, give hugs, be kind) 7. How can you show love to your brother or sister? (Share toys, help them, be gentle, play nicely) 8. Can you think of a friend you can help this week? (Answers will vary – share with them, help them clean up, invite them to play) 9. What makes you happy when you help others? (Seeing them smile, making them happy, getting a thank you) 10. Who can you pray for to ask God to help you serve others? (Family members, friends, teachers, anyone the child names)