The Gospel from the worksheets, told for little ones. Read it aloud on Saturday, or tap Listen.
Jesus Washes His Friends’ Feet
It was the night before Jesus died, and He was sharing a special supper with His friends. Jesus loved His friends right to the end. During the meal, He got up, tied a towel around His waist, poured water into a bowl and began to wash their dusty feet!
Peter was very surprised. “Lord, You will never wash my feet!” he said. Jesus answered, “If I do not wash you, you can have no share with Me.” So Peter said, “Then wash my hands and my head too!”
Afterwards Jesus said, “I have given you an example. Do for each other what I have done for you.” Jesus is our Lord, yet He did a servant’s job. He shows us that love means serving others. At this same supper, Jesus gave us His greatest gift. He took bread and said, “This is My Body.” We receive this gift at every Mass.
Big idea: Jesus shows His love by serving His friends and by giving us Himself in the Holy Bread at Mass.
Jesus Helps His Friends
Jesus had a special supper with His friends. He took a bowl of water and a towel. Then He washed His friends’ dusty feet!
Jesus said, “Do what I have done for you.” Jesus wants us to help each other with love. That is how we love like Jesus.
Big idea: Jesus loves us so much. We can help others just like Him!
Jesus’ own words are in red, like a red-letter Bible.
Tonight the Church begins the Easter Triduum, the three holiest days of the year. At the Last Supper Jesus does two things that go together. He kneels with a basin and towel and washes His friends’ feet, and He gives us the Eucharist, His own Body and Blood, which we still receive at every Mass. Both are the same love: God giving Himself away completely, “to the end.”
Children understand washing feet straight away, because it is the kind of humble, hands-on care that fills family life: wiping faces, tying shoelaces, clearing plates, tucking in at bedtime. Tonight is a chance to tell them that this everyday serving is exactly what Jesus did, and what He asks of us. When they help a sibling or set the table without being asked, they are following His example, and every Mass gives us the strength to keep doing it.
Dinner-table questions
Why do you think Jesus washed His friends’ feet?
Who helps you every day, and how can you help them back?
What special gift did Jesus give us at the Last Supper?
This week’s family practice: Tonight before dinner, take turns gently washing each other’s hands with a bowl of warm water and a towel, then say, I want to help you like Jesus. Keep serving each other through Good Friday and Easter.
