In that one statement Jesus put our relationship with God in a direct line with our relationship with Himself. You see, the Christian faith is really not one that calls us to a ceremonial life by means of which spirituality is attained. Rather, it challenges us to remember that by our own efforts we cannot produce a truly spiritual life. It takes the work of the Holy Spirit in us. That, religion cannot do. Ceremony has the power to soothe and mollify the conscience, but ceremony no more changes reality than outward behavior guarantees love.
