In a message at a breakfast at the White House, President Barack Obama made remarks comparing the struggles in America to the difficulties Jesus had, his ability to conquer them and his resurrection.

Obama said, “Just like us Jesus knew fear, he knew doubt.”

Obama tried to joke with religious leaders but he did spend a good amount of time reflecting on Easter. He concluded by saying, “It kind of puts perspective to our small problems, compared to the huge ones he faced.”

The Easter Prayer Breakfast held annually comes at a time when Obama is moving into a campaign mode of the calm before the storm, as he said in the beginning of his remarks.

Currently he has problems with the budget in a House ruled by the GOP, a possible loss at the Supreme Court with his health care law and a GOP candidate who is coming off a tri-state primary victory. The President also is trying to fix a battered relationship with Christian groups following the administrations remarks that religious employers could not be exempted from requirements of the health care law that health plans of the employer eliminate fees for contraceptives.

He said he was heartened by pastors and citizens, including those not in favour of voting for him, who tell him they keep him in their prayers and tell him to maintain the faith, even in the face of adversity.