Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 2:24

"and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." — Luke 2:24 (ASV)

And to offer a sacrifice, and so on. Those who were able on such an occasion were required to offer a lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or a turtle-dove for a sin offering. If not able to bring a lamb, then they were permitted to bring two turtle-doves or two young pigeons (Leviticus 12:6, 8).

Turtle-doves. These are doves distinguished for having a plaintive and tender voice. By Mary's making this offering, she showed her poverty; and our Savior, by coming in a state of poverty, has shown that it is not dishonorable to be poor.

No station is dishonorable where God places us. He knows what is best for us, and he often makes a state of poverty an occasion of the highest blessings. If, with poverty, he grants us—as is often the case—peace, contentment, and religion, it is worth far more than all the jewels of Golconda or the gold of Mexico.

If it is asked why, since the Savior was pure from any moral defilement in his conception and birth, it was necessary to offer such a sacrifice—why it was necessary that he should be circumcised, since he had no sin—it may be answered:

1. That it was proper to fulfill all righteousness, and to show obedience to the law (Matthew 3:15).
2. It was necessary for the future usefulness of Christ. Unless he had been circumcised, he could not have been admitted to any synagogue or to the temple. He would have had no access to the people, and could not have been regarded as the Messiah. Both he and Mary, therefore, yielded obedience to the laws of the land, and thus set us an example that we should walk in their steps. (Compare to Barnes' comments on Matthew 3:15).