John 11:37

Could not this man? On the surface these words appear to be a repetition of the idea expressed by both Martha and Mary that if the Lord had been present Lazarus would not have died (vs. 21, 32). However, in their context (see on v. 38) it seems more natural to interpret them as expressing skepticism and doubt, in fact, even derision, as though they had said: “If He were truly the miracle worker He claims to be, surely He would have done something for one of His closest friends.” The inference they would draw is that after all, the present failure is proof that He did not open the eyes of the blind.