How do we know that Jesus prefers relationship over religion?

In the story of Martha and Mary, Jesus gently rebukes Martha by reminding her that Mary chose 'the good part'—fellowship with Him—over the busyness of serving. This interaction underscores a core aspect of sovereign grace theology: that it is not our works that secure our standing before God, but faith in Christ. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus teaches that loving God and our neighbor is the greatest command; therefore, the essence of faith lies in our relationship with Him rather than ritualistic adherence to rules. This emphasis is also found in the warnings to the churches in Revelation 2:4 that they have left their first love, showing that God desires undistracted devotion.