John Calvin Commentary John 11:40

"Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" — John 11:40 (ASV)

Did I not tell you? He reproves Martha’s distrust for not forming a sufficiently strong hope from the promise she had heard. It is evident from this passage that something more was said to Martha than John has literally related. However, as I have suggested, this very thing was meant by Christ when He called Himself the resurrection and the life. Martha is therefore blamed for not expecting some divine work.

If you believe. This is said not only because faith opens our eyes so that we may be able to see the power of God shining in His works, but also because our faith prepares the way for God's power, mercy, and goodness to be displayed toward us, as it is said, Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it (Psalms 81:10). In the same way, unbelief, on the other hand, hinders God from approaching us and may be said to keep His hands shut. For this reason, it is said elsewhere that Jesus could not perform any miracle there on account of their unbelief (Matthew 13:58). Not that the power of God is bound by human caprice; rather, it is because, as far as they are able, their malice opposes the exercise of that power, and therefore they do not deserve for it to be manifested to them. Indeed, God frequently overcomes such obstacles. Yet, whenever He withdraws His hand so as not to assist unbelievers, this is because, confined within the narrow limits of their unbelief, they do not allow it to enter.

You shall see the glory of God. Observe that a miracle is called the glory of God, because God, displaying in it the power of His hand, glorifies His name. But Martha, now satisfied with Christ’s second declaration, permits the stone to be removed. As yet she sees nothing. However, hearing the Son of God give this order (which was not without good reason), she willingly relies on His authority alone.