Valuable"  That seems a strange adjective to place on Jesus' feelings for the poor.  Actually, I believe that everyone is valuable to the Lord.  Then I guess the question is  "Are they more valuable than the rich"".

I don't believe they are "more valuable" than any of God's creatures, but they surely deserve much of His attention and grace.  Following the previous lesson on compassion, I believe this is where the distinction lies.  Jesus feels the pain and suffering of the poor, the sick, the afflicted, and the oppressed.  He has boundless compassion for people in need.  Yes, they deserve more of His attention because it is the sick that need a doctor, not the well.

Did the father of the prodigal son love his eldest son more"  Or did he love his youngest, prodigal son more"  He loved them both, but the younger son deserved the father's grace because he was lost and now found.  The youngest son received more immediate benefit of his father's grace, but both sons were equally "valuable" to him in the long run.

So, yes, I think the "poor" and the "sick" are valuable to Jesus.  I also think the "rich" or the "healthy" are valuable to Him.  How valuable"  Valuable enough to take their sins to the cross.  Valuable enough to have Him preparing a place for them and interceding on their behalf.