Who was Jesus referring to when He talked about people on the housetop/patio not stopping to get their clothes?
Jesus was referring to the wealthy, well-to-do class—people no longer in the mainstream workforce, enjoying relative ease on their patio. He told that remnant of Jews not to stop for clothes in the closet, for time would be of the essence. This was one class He addressed.
Les explains that Jesus was speaking to the remnant of Jews who would be in the exodus out of Jerusalem. The people on the housetop or patio were probably quite well-to-do, no longer in the mainstream workforce, enjoying a life of relative ease. He told them not to bother taking clothes out of the closet. Les points out the logic: the wealthy may have expensive dresses and suits, but they should not take time for them because time would be of the essence. This was one class; verse 18 addresses working people, and verse 19 young mothers.