Matthew 24:6
Matthew 24:66You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come.
JWs treat wars, famines, earthquakes, and pestilences since 1914 as a "composite sign" proving Christ's invisible presence began that year. These events are said to be increasing like birth pangs, confirming that we are in the final part of the last days.
Jesus was asked for one sign (singular) and gave one: the Son of Man appearing in heaven (). The wars, famines, and earthquakes in verses 4–8 are what he told disciples not to be alarmed by — "see that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place, but the end is not yet." The Watchtower takes the very events Jesus said should not lead to eschatological conclusions and makes them the centrepiece of its eschatology. Empirically, wars, famines, and pestilences have dramatically decreased since 1914 by every measurable standard. Historically, every generation since Tertullian (197 AD) has made the same "signs of the end" claim. provides the sharpest warning: "Look out that you are not misled, for many will come… saying, 'The due time is near.' Do not go after them."