The Leper’s Prayer

(Leviticus 14:1–32, Matthew 8:1–4, Mark 1:40–45)

While [Jesus] was in one of the towns, a man [came along] [who was] covered with leprosy.[fn] When he saw Jesus, he fell vvv facedown [and] begged Him“Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean

13 

[Jesus] 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.”[fn]

15 

But the news about [Jesus] spread all the more, and great crowds came to hear [Him] and to be healed by Him[fn] of their sicknesses. 16 Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray.

17