Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet

Science Station

Summary:

In this lesson plan, students take a "sensory walk" in their bare feet, create a "footprint" of ways they can use their feet to serve others, and soak their feet.

Jesus used his final meal with his disciples as a time of instruction. Of all the lessons taught that night, one stands out. During the meal Jesus got up from the table, removed his robe, tied a towel around his waist, and with a basin of water went around the table washing the feet of each disciple. By doing so, the one they called Son of God gave them a lesson in service no one will forget.

Scripture Reference:

John 13:1-17
Key Verse 13:15 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Memory Verses:
John 13:1-17 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Romans 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Supplies List:

• You will need different textures for a “sensory walk.” Suggestions: sand, grass, cotton batting, velvet fabric, netting, talcum powder, shaving cream. Construction paper, markers, paper towels or terry towels to wipe feet.
• regular sea salt or Epsom salt, or a blend of the two.
• Several types of essential oil or essential oil blend. Be sure and take heed in the safety data for the oil(s) you choose to use.
• Small Ziploc bags (one per student)
• Labels for the Ziploc bag: Epsom Salts for Foot Soak--Fill tub or basin with warm water. Add a few tablespoons of this to the warm water and mix well. Soak feet in the
  mixture. NOT TO BE EATEN!

Lesson Plan

Opening:

Greet the children and introduce yourself.

Open with a prayer.

Dig:

Tell the story:

Peter winced. He thought he had prepared everything just right for the Passover meal. But, in all the excitement of the day – he had forgotten to arrange for a basin of water at the door. Mentally, he kicked himself. Foot washing was necessary in Palestine. The streets were dusty and people wore sandals without socks or stockings. It was a mark of honor for a host to provide a slave to wash a guest’s feet. And it was a breach of hospitality not to provide a basin so guests could wash their own feet. Forgetting to provide for foot washing was a glaring oversight!

It was almost his turn. Peter watched Jesus stoop to wash his friends’ feet. His master was doing the work of a slave. It greatly disturbed him. It just didn’t seem right. When Jesus knelt in front of him with the basin and towel, Peter pulled back in protest. Their eyes met. “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me,” Jesus warned.

The act of foot washing was highly symbolic. Doing the work of a slave demonstrated Jesus’ humility. It was the attitude he expected of all his followers. But even more important, the act foreshadowed the task he was about to complete.

Jesus would wash away the dirt, their “sins.” On the night of his betrayal, Jesus washed his disciples with water. But he knew that the time was at hand when he would cleanse them with so much more.

SENSORY WALK: There are several ways you can do this. You can use a painter’s canvas drop cloth, and set up areas of different textures. You can use poster board, covered with sandpaper, or cloth. Each piece of poster board will be a different texture.

Invite the kid’s remove their shoes and socks. Kids can be blindfolded if you want.
Let another child, and a shepherd, guide them to the textured spots. If you don’t want to blindfold them, simply allow them to text walk the textures with their bare feet. Have them describe the texture…soft, scratchy, cold.

Some ideas for textures;
Sand, hay or grass, cotton batting, velvet/velour fabric; talcum powder, shaving cream, water, gravel or pebbles.

Don't attempt the shaving cream without several helpers to hold hands while walking. No pressure if a child does not want to do this, or clothing (girls in tights, i.e.) will be ruined.

While, they have their “feet” bare, have them trace around their foot on a piece of construction paper. When the sensory walk activity is over, talk about how we can use our feet for Jesus.

For example,
Walk with someone who's unhappy or sad.
Walk to go get something that someone needs
Put your feet up as you take the time to really listen to a friend
Walk carrying a protest sign against injustice, racism, violence
Walk a friend into church
Walk quietly so as not to wake a tired parent
Stand strong next to someone who is being bullied
Walk to exercise and stay healthy so you have energy to serve others
Wash your feet so they don't offend others or get a floor dirty that someone has cleaned

Write their comments on their foot paper.

Emphasize that Jesus touches all of us in a different way, because Jesus knows we are each special and different. And, we can serve others in many different ways, by putting our best foot forward. Jesus wants us to love one another, and that’s an instruction that means exactly the same thing today as it did when Jesus first said it.

Epsom Salts for Foot Soak
Explain that each child will make some Epsom salts to use to soak their feet. Place some of the salt in a Ziploc bag. Let them choose which scent they would like to add—add a few drops. Close the bag tightly and roll the salts around to mix the scent in with the salts. Leave the bags tightly closed. Make sure the students do not taste the salt (it can act as a laxative) or the scent. Encourage them to think about the Bible story and what Jesus did for them as they are soaking their feet. Or they could prepare a foot soak for someone in their family and tell them the Bible story.

Students could also make the Epsom salts while they are waiting to take their sensory walk

Closing:

Pray: Teach us your ways, O Lord and make them known to us. Help us to use our feet, as well as our hearts and minds, in the service of others in your Kingdom. Amen.

Reference:

• At Jerusalem’s Gate, Poems of Easter, “The Last Lesson,” by Nikki Grimes
• “The King Who Washes Feet,” by Mary Kassian,
• Sensory walk ideas from: teachers.net/lessons/posts/2016.html
• Illustration from the Annie Vallotton Bible Illustration Collection

A lesson written by Mary H and Kim H. Part of a lesson set by the Western Suburbs--Chicago--Roundtable Group

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.