Mike wrote: The Bible ref to Jesus washing the feet of others had nothing to do with cleaning their feet, or the desert. It had to do with presenting an example of humility for his followers.
Why did the act of foot washing exist 2000 years ago in Palestine? Because after trudging through the desert your feet were sandy, hot and dirty. Hence the connection with desert.
If they had tarmac highways and roads back then - then foot washing wouldn't have been necessary and would not have existed. Which is why it does not fit into modern society.
Humility? Because the servant who did the foot washing was usually the lowest slave in the household. The Son of God brought Himself low to make the point. The Archbishop of Canterbury raised himself up before trying to copy the Lord, which shows him to be a hypocrite.
Even Jesus used means to communicate His teachings.