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A Change of Allegiance  /  Chapter 9, The Pilgrim Church  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
In the story of Dirk Willems, the deputy chooses “loyalty to the state over compassion for his rescuer,” while Dirk embodies Jesus’ teaching by turning back to save his enemy at the cost of his own life; where are you most tempted to choose safety, rights, or institutional loyalty over enemy-love, and what concrete practices would have to change for your life to reflect the same “founded… upon the firm foundation stone, Christ Jesus” kind of faith?
Another way to ask: Where are you most tempted to choose safety, rights, or loyalty to an institution instead of loving an enemy? What specific habits would need to change for your life to look more like Dirk Willems’ Jesus-shaped faith?

Direct Answer The transcript doesn’t name the reader’s personal temptations, but it presses us to identify where self-preservation or institutional loyalty keeps us from compassionate enemy-love. It suggests concrete change looks like choosing mercy in real time, grounding faith on Christ rather than “human commandments,” and practicing Jesus’ commands even when it costs us.

Support from Transcript:

  • Dirk had every reason to keep running—“In front of him was his life, his freedom”—yet he turned back.
  • The key motive is Jesus’ teaching: “Jesus taught that his followers must love their enemies… bless them.”
  • Dirk acts from identity: “Dirk had died to himself years before when he gave his life to Christ.”
  • The deputy is swayed by pressure: the burgomaster reminds him of his “oath of loyalty,” and he chooses “loyalty to the state over compassion.”
  • Dirk’s mercy brings suffering, not reward: he is “re-convicted… burned at the stake,” showing the cost of obedience.
  • The epitaph contrasts foundations: not “drifting sand of human commandments,” but “firm foundation stone, Christ Jesus,” remaining “steadfast unto the end.”
Discussion Follow-ups What would it look like, this week, to “turn back” for someone who has opposed you—through a specific act of help, blessing, or forgiveness?

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