What do you mean by that?

John 8:31-36 records a conversation that Jesus had with "those who believed in him." So we know that these are not people trying to trap him or test him, but ones who truly are listening to his teaching and following him in order to learn from him. To them Jesus connects obedience to his teaching with true discipleship (which is an obvious one), but then continues this chain to connect with knowledge of the truth and ultimately freedom. In some sense it sounds a bit like gnosticism. Get the wisdom and achieve enlightenment. The major difference being that Jesus and obedience to his teaching are the source of truth and enlightenment, not some journey of self-discovery within each individual.

But the reply of his followers demonstrates that they are as confused as we are at this point. As Jews they see themselves as free people and no one's slaves, so consequently the question arises just what does Jesus mean with the word 'free'. Free from what? Free from whom? How will they be free?

Jesus' response is more to the point, but those who defined the lectionary readings cut off his reply in mid-sentence. Now Jesus begins speaking of slavery to sin and the lack of permanence of the slaves position in the family. Only the son's place is permanent. Only a son can give real freedom. But again there is a lack of clarity in Jesus' explanation.

So just what does he mean by this?