Matthew 19:25

‘And when the disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” '

The disciples, who had been brought up to believe that the rich were prosperous because of their piety, were also ‘greatly astonished'. After all the rich could also give generous alms to the poor, could make abundant gifts to the Temple, could afford to offer many offerings and sacrifices, and had the opportunity of doing so much good. And by such they made a name for themselves (compare Matthew 6:1) Surely none were in a better position to please God than the rich. So if they could not ‘be saved' what hope was there for others?

They had similarly been greatly astonished at Jesus' ‘new' teaching about marriage (Matthew 19:10). They were awaking to the fact that Jesus was introducing a new world.

In context ‘being saved' indicates ‘having eternal life' (Matthew 19:16) and ‘entering into the Kingly Rule of Heaven' (Matthew 19:23). Those who ‘are saved' enter into a sphere which will result in eternal blessing, both in this world and the next.