Some thought to prevent him from approaching Jesus, but their efforts were in vain. He neither saw nor heard them. The expressions of loathing and looks of horror that greeted his appearance were lost upon him. He saw only the Son of God, he heard only the voice that was giving health and happiness to the suffering and unfortunate. As he came before Jesus, his pent-up feelings found vent, he prostrated his foul, decaying body before him, crying out, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.” His words were few, but comprehended his great need. He believed that Christ was able to give him life and health. {2SP 228.2}

Somme forsøgte at forhindre ham fra at komme nær til Jesus; men deres bestræbelser var frugtesløse. Han hverken så eller hørte dem. Han bekymrede sig intet om alle de udtryk af forfærdelse og væmmelse, som mødte ham. Han så at blot Guds Søn, hørte blot hans røst, som bragte sundhed og lykke til de lidende og ulykkelige. Da han kom nær Jesus, kastede han sit fordærvede, døende legeme ned for ham. Hans (229) tilbageholdte følelser brød nu frem, og han råbte: "Herre! om du vil, kan du rense mig." (Matt 8,2) Hans ord var så, men de tolkede hans trang. Han troede, at Kristus var mægtig til at give ham liv og sundhed.