A MAN CLEANSED

12 While he was in one of the towns, a man was there who had leprosy* all over him.w He saw Jesus, fell facedown, and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

13 Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him,x saying, “I am willing; be made clean,” and immediately the leprosy left him. 14 Then he ordered him to tell no one:y “But go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses commanded for your cleansing as a testimony to them.”

15 But the newsD about him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.z