Few topics are as vital to the Christian life as discipleship. Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28 calls believers to make disciples of all nations, but what does being a disciple actually mean? In To Follow Him: The Seven Marks of a Disciple, Dr. Mark Bailey—professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary and later its president—answers that question with clarity, humility, and practical wisdom. Combining biblical insight with humor and relatable storytelling, Bailey equips readers to live out authentic faith beyond church walls, programs, or religious rituals.
This in-depth summary and review explores Bailey’s seven ‘marks’ of a disciple—core attitudes and commitments of the heart, not just habits of the mind. Through examples, analogies, and biblical exposition, Bailey argues that following Jesus is not a mechanical checklist but a transformation of identity.
Let’s walk through each chapter, unpacking Bailey’s wisdom and exploring how these timeless truths can shape our walk with Christ.
Introduction — “No Ticket Required”
Bailey opens the book with an unforgettable story. In a humorous yet profound moment, he recounts a frantic chase through the Dallas-Fort Worth airport, realizing after being dropped off that he’d left his ticket behind. After flagging down a stranger in a pickup truck, riding in the back to catch his wife and young sons, and grabbing his ticket in the nick of time, Bailey draws a striking parallel: many Christians approach discipleship as though they need a ticket—a perfect performance or right credentials—to journey with God.
Key Point: Grace is the On-Ramp to Discipleship
Bailey uses this nerve-wracking travel moment to illustrate that no ticket is required to follow Christ. Discipleship isn’t earned by perfection or position; it’s a response to Christ’s invitation. We come as we are, not as we think we should be.
Lesson: The call “Come, follow Me” starts with grace. Jesus doesn’t demand credentials—He offers companionship.
Chapter 1 — The Ultimate Personal Trainer
Bailey introduces Jesus as the ultimate trainer—not in the physical fitness sense, but in shaping spiritual endurance and character. Drawing from Luke 9:23, where Jesus commands believers to “deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Me,” Bailey compares discipleship to coaching: commitment, trust, and follow-through are required.
Concept of Spiritual Training
Discipleship, Bailey observes, is more like following a rigorous workout plan than attending a weekly lecture. A personal trainer not only instructs but models, corrects, encourages, and pushes clients into transformation. Similarly, Jesus doesn’t just teach us what to do—He walks with us as we learn to flex faith muscles through daily obedience and trials.
Practical Takeaways:
- Christ’s life offers the standard—His obedience, humility, and love guide every rep of spiritual growth.
- Practicing the disciplines (prayer, scripture, service) builds the stamina for lifelong faithfulness.
- Growth often happens through discomfort—God’s gymnasium develops endurance, not ease.
Lesson: A disciple learns through imitation. Jesus trains us not for speed but for steadfastness.
Chapter 2 — A Tunnel-Vision Romance
In this chapter, Bailey explores how a disciple’s relationship with God should resemble committed love. He borrows the romance metaphor to depict discipleship as a relationship of exclusive devotion, much like a marriage. Referencing Revelation 2:4, where the Ephesian church is rebuked for leaving its first love, Bailey reminds us that discipleship is primarily relational, not transactional.
Single-Minded Devotion to Christ
Tunnel vision—often seen negatively—is reframed here as a spiritual virtue. When Jesus becomes life’s singular focus, all other loves line up rightly beneath Him. Bailey argues that disciples fall short when they fragment their allegiance: one foot in devotion, one foot in distraction.
Key Points:
- Loving God with all heart, soul, mind, and strength requires resisting competing idols.
- Romance imagery highlights passion and intimacy—discipleship thrives on both awe and love.
- Relationships define commitment; Christianity without intimacy is mere religion.
Lesson:
A true disciple pursues God with undivided affection—discipleship is a tunnel-vision romance centered on Christ.
Chapter 3 — God’s Gymnasium
Continuing the fitness analogy, Bailey moves readers into the domain of God’s gymnasium—life itself. Here, spiritual strength is formed through resistance. Citing Hebrews 12:11, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness,” Bailey affirms that trials and training go hand-in-hand.
Embracing God’s Discipline
God’s “gym” uses adversity as equipment for growth. Every hardship—whether temptation, suffering, or frustration—becomes an opportunity to strengthen spiritual muscles.
Bailey reminds us that God’s correction is not punishment but refinement. Like a loving trainer, He targets our weak areas.
Application:
- Perseverance: Faith isn’t proven when the weight is light, but when the bar feels impossible.
- Endurance: Training develops not perfection but perseverance under pressure.
- Hope: Every challenge builds reliance on God’s strength over self-sufficiency.
Lesson:
Discipleship requires resilience forged through discipline. In God’s gymnasium, failure is feedback, and resistance leads to righteousness.
Chapter 4 — The Reflection in God’s Mirror
At the midpoint, Bailey shifts focus from training to identity. “Who are you really in Christ?” becomes the question. He uses the metaphor of a mirror to convey how disciples must see themselves—not through worldly reflections, but through God’s eyes.
Using James 1:22–25 (“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror… and immediately forgets”), Bailey emphasizes spiritual self-awareness.
Seeing What God Sees
Discipleship starts with acknowledging what God reveals in His Word—the truth about our worth, weakness, and purpose. Bailey challenges readers to trade self-perception for divine perspective.
Insights:
- The Bible reflects God’s standard and our spiritual reality.
- Identity in Christ breaks the mirrors of shame, pride, and insecurity.
- Every act of obedience reaffirms who we are becoming.
Lesson:
The truest reflection of a disciple is found not in self-image but in Christ-image.
Chapter 5 — Bring Your Own Cyanide
With this vivid title, Bailey dives into one of the most countercultural teachings of discipleship: dying to self. Referencing Luke 14:26–27, where Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross, Bailey translates it in practical terms—radical surrender.
The Paradox of Dying to Live
Cyanide imagery is shocking but purposeful—it reminds readers that following Jesus involves voluntary “death” to selfish ambitions, control, and comfort. Bailey clarifies that this death isn’t nihilistic or literal but spiritual: only when the old self dies can the new one thrive.
Applications:
- Discipleship is not part-time commitment—it costs all.
- Pride, greed, and self-preservation must be crucified daily.
- True freedom arises through surrender.
Lesson: Dying to self is the entrance to abundant life. Jesus’ followers must carry the cross, not just admire it.
Chapter 6 — Follow the Leader
Here, Bailey brings the concept of imitation full-circle. Discipleship, at its heart, means walking where the Master walks. He references several Gospel accounts of Jesus saying, “Follow Me,” emphasizing that discipleship is not about direction, but personhood—about knowing Who leads.
Obedience and Relationship
Bailey dismantles the idea of passive Christianity. Following implies movement, direction, and trust. The disciple doesn’t create their own map—they trust the lead of the One ahead.
Using visuals and stories from his own life, Bailey reminds readers that discipleship isn’t about “being right” but “remaining close.” When Jesus shifts direction, the disciple’s job is to stay behind, not ahead.
Takeaways:
- Disciples need daily dependence on Christ’s leadership through Scripture and prayer.
- Imitation forms application—the disciple’s life mirrors Christ through compassion and sacrifice.
- Following well demands humility; leaders must also remain followers.
Lesson: True discipleship is submission in motion—daily choosing to walk in Christ’s footsteps.
Chapter 7 — The Eternity-Based Investment Guide
Bailey compares the life of discipleship to investing—not in retirement portfolios, but in eternal dividends. Grounded in Matthew 6:19-21 (“Store up treasures in heaven…”), this chapter challenges believers to reevaluate how they spend time, resources, and energy.
Investing Eternally
Earthly investments fade; eternal ones multiply. Bailey reminds followers that discipleship’s reward isn’t immediate applause but long-term transformation and heavenly treasure.
He outlines three investment principles:
- Purpose over Possession: A disciple measures success by faithfulness, not accumulation.
- Stewardship: Every resource—talent, money, opportunity—is a trust from God, not entitlement.
- Legacy of Faith: True returns are seen in lives changed through obedience and love.
Lesson: The most successful investor is one who invests in eternity; disciples live like eternity is real.
Chapter 8 — They’ll Know We Are His Disciples
In his concluding section, Bailey echoes John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” This final mark of discipleship—love—is both evidence and outcome. All the previous marks (faith, surrender, endurance, obedience) find their culmination in visible, selfless love.
The Mark of Love
Bailey identifies love as both the fingerprint of Jesus’ followers and the bridge the world most desperately needs.
Applications:
- Love validates discipleship; behavior proves belief.
- Unity in the church reflects God’s heart to the world.
- Genuine love demands forgiveness, humility, and service.
He closes with a powerful question: When others look at your life, would they recognize Jesus? That remains the defining mark of a disciple.
Lesson: Love is the unmistakable sign that we belong to Him—it is the language of every true disciple.
The Message Mark Bailey Wants to Convey
At its core, To Follow Him is not an academic guide but a relational invitation. Bailey distinguishes salvation (a free gift) from discipleship (a costly calling). While salvation secures eternal life, discipleship transforms earthly life—it’s how we bear fruit today.
Central Themes:
- True discipleship involves heart transformation, not mere habit formation.
- Following Jesus requires continual surrender, love, endurance, and obedience.
- Grace begins the journey; love proves it.
Bailey’s approachable writing—witty, story-driven, and heartfelt—helps modern readers understand that Christianity isn’t confined to a course or checklist but lived vibrantly in relationships and real life.
Final Insight: Following Jesus is not about having your life figured out—it’s about keeping your eyes on Him in every circumstance. The journey toward Christlikeness is ongoing, but as Bailey beautifully reminds us: “Discipleship is not about arriving; it’s about abiding.”
Why You Should Read To Follow Him
- It’s biblical and practical: Bailey aligns theology with relatable examples, grounding heavy truths in lighthearted storytelling.
- It targets the heart: The seven marks address motivation and mindset, not mere behavior.
- It equips teachers and leaders: Ideal for small groups, discipleship programs, and personal devotion.
- It inspires authenticity: Bailey’s humor, vulnerability, and pastoral warmth refresh readers jaded by performance-based religion.
Final Reflection
Mark Bailey’s To Follow Him: The Seven Marks of a Disciple remains a timeless blueprint for any believer longing to move beyond casual Christianity. Each chapter lifts the curtain on what it means to walk closely with Christ—to train under His discipline, love without limit, surrender without fear, and invest with eternity in mind.
In a world obsessed with identity and success, Bailey redefines the goal: not to be great, but to follow the One who is. Through vivid metaphors, biblical depth, and heartfelt authenticity, he shows that the truest mark of discipleship is not knowledge, but likeness to Jesus Himself.
As the final pages remind us: “They’ll know we are His disciples, not by our credentials, classes, or church attendance—but by our love.”
FAQs
Q1 What is the main theme of “To Follow Him” by Mark Bailey?
The book explores seven essential characteristics of a true disciple and how they reflect Jesus’ teachings in daily life.
Q2 Who should read this book?
Anyone seeking spiritual growth, a deeper walk with God, or clarity on what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
Q3 How is this book different from other discipleship guides?
Bailey’s writing is practical, personal, and metaphor-rich, making spiritual truths easy to understand and apply.
Q4 What is the most powerful lesson from the book?
That love is the ultimate mark of a disciple — the living proof of faith in action.
Q5 Can this book be used for Bible study or group discussions?
Absolutely! Each chapter offers profound insights perfect for reflection, discussion, and personal application.