What does Hebrews 2:15 mean?

In the previous verse, Satan was described as wielding the power of death. As the one who tempted man to fall (Genesis 3:1–7), and who tempts us to sin today (Ephesians 4:27; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8), Satan certainly can bring death and destruction into our lives (Romans 6:23). It's common for people to reject obedience to God because they see it as too restrictive. In truth, sin will make us slaves, while submission to Christ will set us free (John 10:10; Galatians 5:1, 13).

The particular form of slavery the Devil wields, in this verse, is the fear of death. When we are afraid to die, we can make all sorts of immoral and irrational decisions. Becoming a Christian doesn't make us immune to this fear, of course. But it does provide a much different perspective on life and death. Instead of fearing death above all else, and living as a slave to that fear, the saved believer can take full advantage of a "more abundant" life, through Christ.

The crucial reason Jesus is able to give us this confidence is through His own example. He isn't merely a detached spirit giving us orders. As this passage already explained, Jesus took on the sufferings that other people experience. This not only allows Him to comfort us with compassion, it makes His sacrifice and victory applicable to our lives. If He has experienced our pain and suffering, we can be assured He understands our struggles.