Thank you for listening and praying along with 7 ways to pray, a SAT-7 UK podcast. For more ways to pray for SAT-7 and the Middle East and North Africa, download our monthly Prayer Diary at sat7uk.org/pray.

Show notes:

• When the power goes out, faith offers strength
• Facing threats and attacks for following Christ
• Download your October Prayer Diary: sat7uk.org/pray
• Find out more about Advent resources: sat7uk.org/advent

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.

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

Thank you for listening and praying along with 7 ways to pray, a SAT-7 UK podcast. For more ways to pray for SAT-7 and the Middle East and North Africa, download our monthly Prayer Diary at sat7uk.org/pray.

Show Notes Links:

• Lifting Afghan women’s voices five years on
• Honouring a pillar of the Iranian Church
• Short films make young Arab women’s stories visible
• Showcasing Egypt’s Christian heritage in new documentary
• Events from 22 September 2026 – 14 October 2026
• Could you bring hope and share faith with hurting children today?
• Download our monthly prayer calendar with daily prayer points to inspire focused intercession for the Middle East and North Africa. In this month's edition, we focus our prayers on journeys, SAT-7’s Cyprus office, and human rights in the MENA. Download your PDF or an easy-to-print version.