Although the individual stories are a treasure trove of spiritual wealth, there's also a larger perspective of several chapters, 5-9.
Ch. 5 is notable for the Sermon on the Mount--there's so much in there! The Beatitudes, "salt of the earth" and "light of the world", and all of Jesus' "you have heard it said... but I say to you..." teachings. We probably can't fully appreciate how revolutionary those words were to 1st Century Jews. Here Jesus set a new direction for the moral life. The new standard isa daunting one: "You, therefore myst be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt 5:48).
Chapter 6 continues with the same speech, but the focus shifts. Instead of the moral life, Jesus expounds on the spiritual life. Yes yes, they're intricately related, but still distinct. He teaches the disciples how to pray (the Our Father, 6:9-13). He draws a figurative line in the sand, that we cannot serve both God and mammon (6:24). But that is not cause for despair, since the generosity of The Lord is unbounded! Consider the lilies of the field, simple in their splendor (6:28). God provides for all!
There is no break in flow from Ch. 6 to Ch. 7. Jesus warns against judging (7:1-5), exhorting us to ask, seek, and knock--slipping in another reference to how much God the Father loves and cares for us. We should enter by the narrow gate, being aware of false prophets; because eternal salvation isn't a slam dunk ("Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven," 7:21).
(now a word from our theological sponsors)
Revelation comes to us in a dual method: words and deeds. Just like what Jesus instructed the crowds in 7:24: "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock." Throughout the Old and New Testament, God revealed Himself to humanity with words (e.g. prophecies, promises) and deeds (e.g. the Exodus). He tells us, then He shows us--talking the talk and walking the walk.
(back to our infrequently scheduled blog post)
For the DEEDS, look no further than Ch. 8. To prove that He has the authority to preach so audaciously, Jesus goes on a healing spree. A leper is healed (8:1-4), the centurion's servant is healed (8:5-13), and Peter's mother-in-law is healed (8:14-15). No matter the disease, large or small, Jesus shows His power over it. And, Fr. Bartunek pointed out a touching detail with Peter's mother-in-law. Jesus touched her hand, when a word from Him would've sufficed. Just imagine how tender of a gesture it must've been!
Then, two larger things: Jesus calms a storm and casts out demons. That must've knocked the sandals off the disciples. And your take, Keanu?
Chapter 9 continues the gratuitous healing power of God on display. He heals a paralytic, the daughter of a ruler, two blind men, and another demoniac.
CONCLUSION
So, to recap. Ch. 5-7, Jesus lays down a new law and gives new direction in the spiritual life. WORDS. To prove He was who He said He was, DEEDS. Lots of 'em, ch. 8-9. Jesus displayed His power over nature on a small scale (diseases), nature on a large scale (calming the storm and raising the ruler's daughter from the dead), and the supernatural realm as well (the demoniacs).
God knows the human heart, He knows we need both aspects of revelation. Once we come to belief in Him, then we follow what happens next in Matthew's Gospel. The disciples are sent out to preach the kingdom of God.
We can also look at this liturgically. Ch. 5-7/words: verbum Domini. Ch. 8-9: Hoc est corpus meum. Ch. 10: Ite, missa est. God is there in everything, coming to us in many ways, but especially in the Mass!