But each of the disciples thought that he would not be a servant to his brethren. He was not willing to wash their feet. So, in silence they had taken their places at the table. Jesus waited awhile to see what they would do. Then He Himself rose from the table. He girded Himself with the towel, poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet. He had been grieved by their contention, but He did not reprove them by sharp words. He showed His love by acting as a servant to His own disciples. When He had finished, He said to them: "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you." John 13:14, 15.

Hver især tænkte disciplene, at han ville ikke være tjener for sine brødre. De var ikke villige til at tvætte hverandres fødder. De havde derfor i tavshed indtaget deres pladser ved bordet. Jesus ventede en stund for at se, hvad de ville gøre. Så rejste han sig fra bordet. Han tog linnedklædet og bandt det om sig, hældte vand i vaskefadet, og begyndte at tvætte disciplenes fødder. Han havde været bedrøvet over deres uenighed, men han irettesatte dem ikke med hårde ord. Han lod sin kærlighed til disciplene komme til udtryk ved, at han udførte tjenerens gerning.