When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” Matthew 19:25
In the verse immediately before this one, Matthew 19:24, Jesus had just said that it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven. Earthly riches are not necessarily a sign of God’s favor. In fact, living a privileged life on Earth can be a serious hindrance to a person’s salvation, or at least to their sanctification. Those who are not in want are less likely to pray than someone who is lacking what they need in life. Fame and fortune, or just earthly comfort can be a serious impediment to growth in a relationship with the Creator of the universe. We are not naturally very imaginative beings, so if we have all that we think we need here in this mortal life, then it is hard to imagine that we need Jesus. Of course, without the grace of God, we have nothing. And without His saving grace, we are lost. It is incumbent on each of us to look around us and realize that God created everything, and sustains everything. Without Him, we cannot exist, or continue to live without Him. Through His word, we know that we are sinners and cannot be saved without the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. We can do nothing without Him. We all must rely solely on Him to be saved, no matter how rich or poor we are.
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26