WAKE FOREST, N.C. – This year’s commencement of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary was very historical as it celebrated its largest class since its establishment on May 22.

To the graduating class of 173 seminary students and 73 college students, Daniel L. Akin said to invest their lives as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In delivering his address, Akin preached from Mark 10:32-45, reminding students that they are never more like Jesus than when they are serving and giving their lives for others.

"Servanthood is the way of spiritual greatness," Akin said. "The cross always comes before the crown. Indeed, we are most like the Savior when we are servants.

"That's not the way other graduation ceremonies are taking place this time of year. Other graduates are being encouraged to go out and make a name for themselves and to seek notoriety, prestige and prominence. But God's Kingdom doesn't work that way. In God's Kingdom, those who are great wait on others and serve others."

Akin encouraged graduates to overcome well when a moment comes in life where they feel confused of the choice they made by telling them what overturns the worldly system is Jesus’ value system.

"But for those of us who have come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we operate by a simple principle: All that matters in life is to please Jesus," Akin said.

Akin concluded by challenging graduates to love and serve with the fervor and selflessness that the Savior alreadly presented, no matter where it is that God has called them.

Students received degrees ranging from associate and bachelor degrees to master and doctoral degrees. Undergraduate degrees were granted by the seminary's undergraduate program, Southeastern College at Wake Forest.