[metmom]

And, yes, the very fact that Mary rode an ass for her trip to Bethlehem indicates wealth.

That's not a "fact" recorded in Scripture.

The Bible says nothing about how Mary got to Bethlehem.

Luke 2:1-7In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

[Safetgiver]

Exactly what I was trying to say: The myth(? I dunno), of Jesus’ family is poor is rebuked from the fact his family was of the lineage of King David....”because he was of the house and lineage of David,”. You said it and so did the Bible.

[Hoodat]

Three things stand out to me regarding Jesus' financial well-being.

• He had a house in Capernaum (Mark 2:1 & Mark 9:33)
• His tunic was woven without a seam (John 19:23)
• When it came time to feed the five thousand, it wasn't a matter of money (Matthew 15:32-33)

Of course none of this has anything to do with inherited wealth. I believe Jesus had a successful ministry, and I believe that many people offered money into it. Even the disciples pointed out that a purpose of their ministry was to give to the poor (Matthew 26:6-9).

Regardless of what Joseph the businessman left Him and His mother as an inheritance, I do not believe that there was any lack in His ministry.