In C.S. Lewis’ The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe, Peter and Susan are troubled by their youngest sister Lucie’s claim she had entered a magical world through a wardrobe in a large, old house. Lucie claims their brother Edward visited this world too, but Edward denies it. Peter and Susan decide to visit the professor, who owns the house, for advice.
To their surprise, the professor says, “How do you know…your sister’s story is not true?” “…does your experience lead you to regard your brother or sister as more reliable?” Peter says, “Up until now, I’d have said Lucy every time.” Peter and Susan say they think there might be something wrong with Lucie. The Professor says, “All you need to do is look at her to see that she is not mad.” Logically, he says, there are three options: Lucy is lying, she is mad, or she is telling the truth. Since she is not lying nor mad, she must be telling the truth. Despite Peter and Susan’s demand that a magical land and a talking faun cannot be true, the Professor says, “Who’s to say there is not some door that leads to another world [in this house], it’s a strange house after all.”
This fictional story resembles a historical account of Jesus’ resurrection. When Jesus first appeared to his disciples, Thomas was not there. When the other disciples say, “We have seen the Lord (20:25)!” Thomas says, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe (20:25).” He refused to believe his friends’ words, just as Peter and Susan refused to believe their sister’s.
Jesus lovingly descends to Thomas’ doubt. He appeared again just so Thomas could see his wounds (20:26-27), and Thomas believed (20:28). However, Jesus’ resurrection appearance to Thomas was not just for him, but for all who wish to see Jesus’ resurrected body.
Jesus resurrection appearances on earth were historical moments, not to be repeated. “Because you have seen me, you have believed,” Jesus told him, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed (20:29).” Everyone who desires to see the proof of Jesus’ resurrected body may live vicariously through Thomas’ experience.
Jesus lovingly descends to our doubt. If you are doubting, will you humble yourself and pray, “Lord help my unbelief”? The Lord answers such prayers.