Elementary Bible Game: Wash Tag

Use this Bible game: Wash Tag to teach kids the act of serving, based on John 13:1-17.

Kids try to avoid letting someone else wash their feet.

Best for: Ages 6 to 9

Supplies: Bible and a box of baby wipes

Preparation: None

Elementary Bible Game: Wash Tag

Have kids take off their shoes and socks and set them aside. Girls wearing tights may still play, but caution them to be careful not to slip. Have the children sit in a circle on the floor and read aloud the Scripture.

Say: Peter didn’t want Jesus to wash his feet. He thought that Jesus was too special to serve him in that way. Let’s play a game to act like Peter.

Help kids find partners. Say: Face each other so your fingers just barely touch with your arms outstretched in front of you. Give each child a baby wipe. Your goal is to tag your partner’s feet with the baby wipe, without your partner tagging you and without moving from where you’re standing. To keep the game safe, kicking is not allowed.

If you’re limited in space, have the children play two at a time. Play for a minute, and then have the children find new partners. Play several rounds. If you have an uneven number of children, ensure that the group of three consists of different children each round.

At the end of the game, discuss the following.

Explain what strategies you used to keep your partner from wiping your feet.
What do you think is important about washing someone’s feet?
What example does Jesus set for us about serving others through his actions?

Say: Jesus wanted to teach his disciples an important lesson. He was willing to serve others even though he was the most important person in the room that night. If he was willing to serve others, we can be happy to serve others as well.

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