Shaped by his upbringing : Jesus’ mission in Luke 4 : 16–22 aligned with Luke 2 : 51–52 as a paradigm for youth formation, empowerment, and social engagement today

Abstract

This paper examines the formative influence of Jesus’ upbringing in Nazareth, particularly as depicted in Luke 4: 16–22, alongside related passages such as Luke 2: 51–52. Through these accounts, this analysis seeks to elucidate the social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of Jesus’ early life and their significance in shaping his mission and identity, as well as how his religious customs and community involvement can inspire contemporary youth by integrating the core pillars of faith, education, and family and empowering them to confront modern challenges with a holistic perspective inspired by Jesus’ mission. Methodologically, it should be taken for granted that a tendency to psychologise biblical characters—interpreting their actions or decisions as if they shared modern psychological frameworks—can lead to oversimplifications or misapplications. For example, Jesus’ obedience to his parents reflects a culture of strict family authority, contrasting with today’s focus on independence and self-expression in youth development. By examining key Greek terms such as tethramménos (from trépho: ‘having been brought up’) and katà tò eiōthòs autộ (‘as was his custom’) in v.16, this study emphasises Jesus’ strong connection to his faith and cultural heritage. His regular participation in synagogue life and his upbringing in a religious and familial context (see Luke 2: 51–52) were crucial in shaping his identity and preparing him for his transformative and transforming mission, according to the Isaianic prophecy (61: 1–2) he read on the same occasion. This paper argues that these early experiences, particularly his education within the Jewish tradition and his family’s role in nurturing his spiritual growth, were foundational for the holistic mission Jesus would later proclaim—a mission that sought spiritual, social, and physical liberation.