5-Day Devotional: Back to the City
Inspired by Luke 24:33–35
“That very hour, they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”
Day 1: Get Up and Go Back
Scripture:
“They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem…” — Luke 24:33
Reflection:
These two disciples had just walked over seven miles away from the pain of Jerusalem. But as soon as they recognized Jesus, they got up and went back. No excuses. No waiting until morning. They returned at once. Why? Because when Jesus opens your eyes, you can’t sit still anymore.
Where in your life have you been sitting too long in disappointment or disengagement? What’s the “city” Jesus is calling you to go back to, with a new purpose?
Prayer:
Lord, stir my heart to rise. Give me the courage to move, even if it’s back to a place that once hurt me. Lead me with resurrection power.
Journal Prompt:
Where is Jesus asking me to return “at once”? What step of obedience have I delayed out of fear, doubt, or disappointment?
Day 2: Face the Place of Pain
Scripture:
“They returned to Jerusalem…” — Luke 24:33
Reflection:
Jerusalem was where it all went wrong—or so they thought. But now they see it’s where it all went right. They go back not to revisit trauma but to declare truth. Resurrection changes how we see the places that once broke us.
God might not call you to run from pain, but to walk back into it—with power and perspective.
Prayer:
Lord, give me courage to go back to face what hurt me, and to carry Your healing presence into it.
Journal Prompt:
What “Jerusalem” in my life (a place of hurt or confusion) needs revisiting through a resurrection lens?
Day 3: Tell the Story of the Road
Scripture:
“Then the two told what had happened on the way…” — Luke 24:35
Reflection:
They didn’t keep the story to themselves. They shared what Jesus did on the road, in the midst of their confusion and grief. It was raw, fresh, and full of wonder.
Your journey may not be polished, but it’s powerful. The most honest version of your story may be the one someone else needs to hear.
Prayer:
Jesus, make me brave in my storytelling. Use my road—every twist and turn—to point people back to You.
Journal Prompt:
What part of “my road” do I need to share more openly? Who might benefit from hearing it?
Day 4: Return Different Than You Left
Scripture:
“They got up and returned…” — Luke 24:33
Reflection:
They left discouraged, but they came back burning with purpose. This is what transformation looks like—same city, same people, but a new fire.
When Jesus changes us, He calls us not to escape but to return transformed, bringing the news that resurrection has happened.
Prayer:
God, I want to return different. Fill me with Your presence and send me into the world with courage and clarity.
Journal Prompt:
How have I changed through my encounter with Jesus? What does it look like to bring that change into my everyday spaces?
Day 5: The City Needs Your Fire
Scripture:
“Were not our hearts burning within us…” — Luke 24:32
Reflection:
The burning started on the road, but it wasn’t meant to stay there. The fire was meant for Jerusalem—the same place that had crucified Jesus was now about to hear He was alive.
Your fire isn’t just personal—it’s missional. You’re called to carry it back to your city, your family, your world.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, don’t let the flame fade. Let my heart burn for my city and for those who need to hear the good news.
Journal Prompt:
What burden has God placed on my heart for my city or community? How can I carry this fire outward in the coming week?
