What does John 11:22 mean?

Martha began her words to Jesus with something that could easily be taken as an accusation: "if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). Jesus had left the region to stay away from local religious leaders in nearby Jerusalem (John 11:18). When Lazarus fell ill, Jesus received a message from Martha and Mary, Lazarus' sisters (John 11:3). However, Jesus waited two days to begin His return trip (John 11:6), arriving four days after His friend was already dead and buried (John 11:17). While she certainly realized her brother had died before the message even got to Jesus, it wouldn't be unexpected for her to be frustrated.

However, Martha's words here show that she's not criticizing Jesus. Rather, she's expressing faith in His power, and her trust in His will. Her prior statement indicated she's not happy with the situation—her current statement indicates she's willing to trust God to make things right. At no point does she directly ask Jesus to bring her brother back. This parallels the behavior of Jesus mother, Mary, at His first miracle in Cana. There, she made no demands, but only told Jesus what the problem was (John 2:3) and then encouraged others to obey Him (John 2:5).

As later verses show, Martha's practical and careful personality is still in full effect. Even when He goes to open the tomb, she's cautious and unsure (John 11:39). That does not stop her from boldly and confidently expressing her faith that Jesus is the Promised One (John 11:27).