These mourners pointed back to the healing of the man born blind in Jerusalem (John 9:1-7), a sign the Jews had already argued over (John 10:21). If Jesus could do that, why had He not kept His friend alive? Commentators hear an edge in the question. Gill describes the speakers as people who "bore him a secret grudge, and were willing to put the worst construction on every action of his." Matthew Henry says it is "slyly insinuated" that since Lazarus' death grieved Him, "if he could have prevented it he would," and because He did not, "they incline to think that he could not." John sets their words beside the others who saw love in His tears (John 11:36).

Jesus gave these speakers no answer in words. "Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave" (John 11:38). He had the stone taken away, thanked the Father, and "cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth" (John 11:41-43). "And he that was dead came forth" (John 11:44). Their question asked whether He could have prevented a death; He answered by undoing one. Afterward many believed, while some went to tell the Pharisees (John 11:45-46).

The miracle they mention was well known. Jesus had given sight to a man "blind from his birth" in Jerusalem (John 9:1, 7), and the man himself said, "Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind" (John 9:32). The Jews had already argued over it: "Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?" (John 10:21).

Bethany was only about fifteen furlongs from Jerusalem (John 11:18), and the speakers' own words show they knew of that healing.

The text has already answered why Jesus did not come sooner. He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God" (John 11:4). He waited two days on purpose (John 11:6) and told His disciples, "I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe" (John 11:15). What looked like inability was a plan.

Matthew Henry says the speakers did not consider "that divine power is always directed in its operations by divine wisdom." Notice the contrast within the chapter: Martha and Mary said almost the same words, "if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died," but they said them to Jesus (John 11:21, 32). He answered the sisters with His presence, His tears, and His power.