The olivet discourse is complex and difficult to interpret, but crucial to any preaching about eschatology. by identifying two chiastic structures that mirror each other, namely in matthew 21:1−23:39 and 24:1−25:46, the relation and correspondence of the parts to each other and to the whole may be identified. whereas the centre of the chiastic structure of matthew 21:1−23:39 emphasises the authority and identity of jesus christ, the lord and son of david, the centre of the chiastic structure of 24:1−25:46 focuses on the sign and coming of the son of man. matthew 21:1−25:46 could be a major literary unit that emphasises the king’s entrance into, rejection of and exit from the temple and jerusalem during his first coming, juxtaposed with the sign and coming of the son of man to jerusalem in glory. until then, the lord expects his followers to watch, to be ready and prepared as they labour faithfully for him in these last days