Event · New Testament

Jesus washes the disciples' feet

Also known as The foot washing

During the evening meal before Passover, Jesus laid aside His outer garments, wrapped a towel around Himself, and washed His disciples' feet, including the feet of the one who would betray Him. Peter protested and then asked to be washed entirely. Jesus told them He had given an example they should follow.

Why it matters. The Lord and Teacher takes the servant's place hours before the cross. The act interprets what follows: His death is service, and His followers are to serve one another.

Primary passages

• John 13:1-17

Dates

AD 30 to 33 (approximate) (medium confidence, Passover week of the crucifixion under Pontius Pilate; AD 30 and AD 33 are the leading proposals)

The event belongs to the final week before the crucifixion, which is dated to AD 30 or AD 33 on calendrical grounds. FaithGraph records the range and does not choose.

Witnesses

• John 13:1-17

Chronology confidence: high

Recorded by John alone, during the supper on the night of the betrayal. FaithGraph places it alongside the Last Supper rather than resolving whether it preceded or followed the bread and cup, which John does not narrate.

Last reviewed

2026-08-30 by the FaithGraph team