Speaking to Christian leaders from across the country he said: "With humility and with awe, we give thanks to the extraordinary sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
"We reflect on the brutal pain that He suffered, the scorn that He absorbed, the sins that He bore, this extraordinary gift of salvation that He gave to us. And we try, as best we can, to comprehend the darkness that He endured so that we might receive God's light."
Addressing guests in the East Room, President Obama explained how he tries to mirror the actions of Jesus but often fails. He said. "I pray that I will live up to His example. I fall short so often. Every day I try to do better."
He also paid tribute to Pope Francis, who will visit the US later this year, quoting the Catholic leader: "He says that we should strive 'to see the Lord in every excluded person who is thirsty, hungry, naked; to see the Lord present even in those who have lost their faith' imprisoned, sick, unemployed, persecuted; to see the Lord in the leper - whether in body or soul - who encounters discrimination."
President Obama went on to joke about how he struggle to show love to some Christians. He said: "On Easter, I do reflect on the fact that as a Christian, I am supposed to love.
"And I have to say that sometimes when I listen to less than loving expressions by Christians, I get concerned. But that's a topic for another day."
Those gathered included renowned author and pastor Jim Wallis and civil rights leader Revd Al Sharpton. Christian singer Amy Grant also performed.