In the New Testament, Peter says we should not just hear the word but it what it says. I have read the New Testament and have a general understanding of all of Jesus’ teachings but I also know many were directed toward Jews in Israel and the Pharisees and teachers of the law.
Do you have reference to a listing of what Jesus taught to those who would follow him? Like love your neighbor as yourself, love your God with all your heart and all your soul, etc. I know that belief in the one who was sent is the key to salvation but I know as Christians, we need to do what Jesus said.
Many of the things Jesus discussed were about following him such as hating his mother, brother, etc where more allegory than direct teaching but I am trying to iron out what Jesus wants us to do to “do what he says” as Peter commented on.
I think that the teachings of Jesus can be boiled down into four very clear statements He made. You’ve already identified three of them.
1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind. (Matt. 22:37)
2. Believe in the One He has sent. (John 6:29)
3. Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matt. 22:39)
4. Love each other (the church) as He loved us. (John 15:12)
Since we’ll be judged on the motives of our hearts, (1 Cor. 4:5) it’s fitting that these statements all reflect attitudes. By making sure that our actions are consistent with them, we’ll be doing what He told us to do.