Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 11:21

"Martha therefore said unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." — John 11:21 (ASV)

The words Martha addressed to Jesus express both a repressed reproach and a persistent faith. She was disappointed that Jesus had not responded to the first news of Lazarus’s illness, but that did not lead her to break her relationship with him. Despite her remorse, she was confident that God would grant Jesus’ desire in this matter.