¹²While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” ¹³Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. ¹⁴“Do not tell anyone,” Jesus instructed him. “But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” ¹⁵But the news about Jesus spread all the more, and great crowds came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. ¹⁶Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray.