John 13 opens the Upper Room Discourse on Passover night - hours before Gethsemane - as Jesus kneels before his disciples with a basin and towel and gives the commandment that defines his church.

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

Before the feast of the Passover Jesus, knowing that his time had come to depart from this world to the Father

He arose from supper and laid aside his outer garments He took a towel and wrapped it around his waist Then he poured water into a basin And began to wash the disciples’ feet

Peter said to him, Lord, do you wash my feet Jesus answered him, You don’t know what I am doing now But you will understand later

If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet You also ought to wash one another’s feet For I have given you an example That you should also do as I have done to you

A servant is not greater than his lord Neither is one who is sent greater than he who sent him If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them

From now on I tell you before it happens That when it happens, you may believe that I am he

When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit And testified, Most certainly I tell you One of you will betray me

Little children, I will be with you a little while longer A new commandment I give to you That you love one another Just as I have loved you, you also love one another

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples If you have love for one another

Listen

John 13 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press