Twice Jesus used the aforementioned phrase: in Matthew 11:5 and Luke 7:22. In considering all of the related Scriptures I cannot help but wonder---is Christianity the poor man's religion? I realize that's not well-phrased, because to genuinely follow Christ is to have eternal life, and is not a 'religion' at all. But look at these verses:
So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. Proverbs 1:19
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. Proverbs 13:7
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. Proverbs 15:27
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Proverbs 23:4
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. Proverbs 28:20
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. Proverbs 28:22
The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. Ecclesiastes 5:12
As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. Jeremiah 5:27
And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:24
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. Luke 1:53
But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Luke 6:24
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Timothy 6:9
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? James 2:5
Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. James 5:1
Kind regards in Christ Jesus,
Alec