A Jewish woman was commanded to observe a time of purification after bearing a child. The law taught that after this observation was completed, she was to bring a lamb as a burnt offering and a bird as a sin offering. If she could not bring a lamb, she was permitted to offer two birds instead (Lev 12:6-8).
After Mary bore Jesus, look at what Luke says about Mary and Joseph’s sacrifice:
“Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD’). And to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, ‘A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons'" (Luke 2:22-24, Unless otherwise stated: Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Used by permission. All rights reserved).
If they brought two birds for the ceremony, it means that Mary and Joseph could not offer a lamb. This would fulfill prophecy that Jesus, the suffering servant of Isaiah, would have a humble upbringing despite His divine origins. He was like a root out of dry ground (Is 53:2). This is just one of many ways the one Who would become King of all (1 Tim 6:15) made Himself the suffering servant of all (Is 52:13-53:12). He let those who would follow Him know that He had nowhere to lay His head (Matt 8:20).
Jesus chose to endure such conditions on earth to be an example and motivation for us to humble ourselves and help others.
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philip 2:5-11).
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" (2 Cor 8:9).
What will we do for Him and for others in His name?
Van
