Around the Table – Rediscovering Jesus the Middle Easterner

In our latest episode, Rediscovering Jesus the Middle Easterner, my co-host Martin and I are joined by Nadim Nassar, Director of the Awareness Foundation, and Tanas Alqassis, SAT-7 UK Trustee. Together, we explore what it means to understand Jesus within the historical, cultural and geographical context of his life as a first-century Middle Eastern Jewish man—and why that matters for Christians today.

Throughout the conversation, we consider how our understanding of Jesus has often been shaped by culture, tradition and artistic representation, and how rediscovering the world in which he lived can deepen our reading of Scripture and enrich our faith. Rather than changing who Jesus is, recognising his Middle Eastern identity helps us appreciate the reality of the incarnation and the significance of God entering history in a particular place, among a particular people.

We also reflect on the realities of Jesus' own life, from living under Roman occupation to his family's flight to Egypt as refugees, and explore how these experiences continue to resonate with many people across the Middle East and North Africa today. The conversation invites us to see the region not simply as the backdrop to the biblical story, but as the home of vibrant Christian communities who continue to worship, witness and serve with remarkable faith and perseverance.

Drawing on the experiences and insights of our guests, we discuss what the global Church can learn from Christians living in the region where Christianity began. From hospitality and resilience to hope and faithful witness, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how understanding Jesus' historical context can shape our discipleship, broaden our view of God's kingdom and strengthen our connection with the living Church across the Middle East and North Africa.

Whether you’re listening on your favourite podcast platform or via the SAT-7 UK website, we’re glad you’ve joined us around the table.

Show Note Resources:

SAT-7 UK: https://www.sat7uk.org/

SAT-7 UK Podcasts: https://www.sat7uk.org/pages/sat-7-uk-podcast/

The Middle Eastern Jesus: The Christ of the Gospel and the Culture of God, Nadim Nassar: https://canterburypress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9781786225719/middle-eastern-jesus