Jesus taking off His outer robe and tying a towel around His waist wasn't just a practical preparation for washing feet; it was a deliberate shedding of His identity as Teacher and Master, stepping into the role of a lowliest servant. This action publicly displayed His profound and unwavering love for His disciples, a love so deep it would continue to the very end, even in the face of betrayal and His own impending death.
rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus, knowing His hour to depart this world had come, gathered His disciples for their final Passover meal. Amidst the lingering tension of Judas’s betrayal, Jesus rose from the table, removed His outer robe, and tied a towel around His waist. This action, a preparation for a servant’s task, set the stage for an act of profound humility and love.
Jesus deliberately changes his attire. What does this simple act of changing clothes signify in his culture and in this moment?
Jesus rises from the Passover meal, a pivotal moment before his crucifixion. He removes his outer garments, the 'himatia' (which would impede his movement), and ties a 'lint-cloth' or towel around his waist. This wasn't just practical; it was a radical adoption of a servant's uniform. The outer robe was often a symbol of status, while the towel was strictly for manual labor, specifically the humble task of washing feet. This act visually declared Jesus's intention to perform the lowest of duties.
Jesus knew his 'hour' had come. How did this profound knowledge shape his actions at the table?
The Gospel of John highlights that Jesus acted with full knowledge of his impending death and his divine mission. He knew the Father had given all things into his hands and that he was returning to God. Yet, in this awareness of his ultimate glory, he chose humility. He wasn't performing a task he was forced into; he was enacting a profound act of love. He loved his own 'to the end,' demonstrating a steadfast, enduring love that would not be quenched even by betrayal or death. This act of foot-washing was the ultimate expression of that love.
Understand the original words
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niptō · Greek Verb
A humble act of service typically performed by a slave or servant for guests. In this context, it symbolizes Christ’s humility, servanthood, and the cleansing work He performs for His people.
This intimate, symbolic act occurred during the Passover meal, a time of remembrance and impending sacrifice, highlighting Jesus' humility and ultimate love even for His betrayer.
c. AD 30, during Passover week
Disciples Dispute Greatest Status
Earlier in the evening, a dispute arose among the disciples about who was the greatest among them. This setting of pride and self-assertion is the backdrop against which Jesus' act takes place.
c. AD 30, Passover evening
Jesus' Foreknowledge of Betrayal
Jesus knew that Judas Iscariot was about to betray Him, and that His 'hour' to depart from this world was imminent.
c. AD 30, during the Last Supper— this verse
Jesus Rises to Wash Disciples' Feet
Jesus rose from the supper, removed his outer garments, and tied a towel around himself, preparing to wash the feet of His disciples.
c. AD 30, during the Last Supper
Jesus Washes Peter's Feet
Jesus began washing the disciples' feet, starting with Peter, who initially protested but then understood the spiritual significance of the act.
c. AD 30, after the Last Supper
Institution of the Lord's Supper
Following the foot-washing, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper as a remembrance of His sacrifice.
This passage describes Christ's willingness to humble himself and take on the form of a servant, mirroring the profound act of humility shown in John 13:4 as Jesus prepared to wash his disciples' feet.
Isaiah 52:13-15This prophetic passage speaks of a servant who will be 'exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high,' alluding to his suffering and service, which finds a poignant visual representation in Jesus' humble service before his own exaltation.
Luke 22:24-27This passage directly follows the Last Supper where the disciples debated who was greatest, and Jesus' act of washing their feet, preceded by him laying aside his garments and girding himself, serves as a practical demonstration of his teaching: 'I am among you as one who serves.'
1 Peter 4:10-11Peter encourages believers to use their gifts in service to one another, reflecting the spirit of Christ's action in John 13:4, where his service demonstrates how believers should minister to each other with humility and love.
barnesJohn 13:4: "He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself."
He riseth from supper - Evidently while they were eating. See John 13:2 . Laid aside his garments - His outer garment. See the notes at Matthew 5:40. This was his mantle or robe, which is said to have been without seam. It was customary to lay this aside when they worked or ran, or in the heat of summer. Took a towel and girded himself - This was the manner of a servant or slave. See the notes…
calvinJohn 13:1-7: "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."
- Before the feast of the passover, Jesus, knowing that his hour was come, that he should remove out of this world to the Father, having loved his own, who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2. And after supper, [37] the devil having already put it into the heart o…
Jesus taking off His outer robe and tying a towel around His waist wasn't just a practical preparation for washing feet; it was a deliberate shedding of His identity as Teacher and Master, stepping into the role of a lowliest servant. This action publicly displayed His profound and unwavering love for His disciples, a love so deep it would continue to the very end, even in the face of betrayal and His own impending death.
Jesus, knowing His hour to depart this world had come, gathered His disciples for their final Passover meal. Amidst the lingering tension of Judas’s betrayal, Jesus rose from the table, removed His outer robe, and tied a towel around His waist. This action, a preparation for a servant’s task, set the stage for an act of profound humility and love.
Jesus, knowing His hour to depart this world had come, gathered His disciples for their final Passover meal. Amidst the lingering tension of Judas’s betrayal, Jesus rose from the table, removed His outer robe, and tied a towel around His waist. This action, a preparation for a servant’s task, set the stage for an act of profound humility and love.
"rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him." — Jesus taking off His outer robe and tying a towel around His waist wasn't just a practical preparation for washing feet; it was a deliberate shedding of His identity as Teacher and Master, stepping i…
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Last reviewed October 2026
