Rich Women

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. (LK 8:3)

So far 2 types of rich people follow Jesus: Men who made honest money. When I say honest, I mean the money was considered socially approved. They earned the money fair and square due to a good spiritual life (religious leaders) or social position (rich young ruler). People who gained money through these methods felt comfortable enough with their money that when challenged by Jesus, they could not let it go.

The second group of wealthy were women and those who gained their income from socially unacceptable means, such as the tax-collectors. These people were far more receptive to Jesus' message of giving it all away.

Is it like this today?

The Poor Heard the Gospel

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. (LK 7:22)

Jesus said this after John the Baptist sent to Jesus asking if he was the Christ. In the passage preceding there was mention of a widow whose son was raised by Jesus. Widows were usually the most destitute, the poorest of the poor as were beggers and those who were maimed or crippled. Jesus gave these people more than a sermon or future hopes. By healing them, he took away the most obvious obstacles to a decent life for them. Most if not all of these people would remain poor, but no longer among the lowest of the poor.

The passages after John's question tells us about rich people (Pharisees and Lawyers) who rejected noth Jesus' and John the Baptist's baptism.