Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 11:42

"And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the multitude that standeth around I said it, that they may believe that thou didst send me." — John 11:42 (ASV)

When Martha met his condition, which was the last step of faith she could take, Jesus took the next step. He did not ask God to raise Lazarus; he thanked him for having already answered his prayer. So great was Jesus’ faith in the Father that he assumed that this miracle, so necessary to his mission, was as good as done. His main reason for raising Lazarus was to convince the assembled people that he had been sent by the Father.