In 1995, I was in elementary school belting, “eleven years of sacrifice,” from Mary J. Blige’s iconic song, “Not Gon’ Cry.” I didn’t know what it was about, but I felt it! There is something about being somewhere “too long” that we all can relate to. For 38 years, this man had been walked over and rejected, and here Jesus comes asking silly questions. Maybe Jesus knows that what is between us and healing, is a question. Maybe Jesus asks a question because loving yourself requires being honest. 

This healing wasn’t just about walking, it was about getting back up after 38 years of loneliness, failure, and pain. His truth didn’t disqualify him from love; in fact, it equipped him for it. Because Jesus loved him in his most honest form, he knew he could love himself when he was later questioned. God is capable of loving you in every season and every iteration, so be honest.