As I think about the various parables I tend to divide them up into three different kinds. One type of parable teaches a new concept in an illustrative way, the primary one of this category is the Burning House, and Simile of Herbs. Another category consists of parables which highlight the discovery of something that was always present; a realization, if you will. In this category I would put The Rich Man and the Poor Son, Gem in the Robe, Gem in the Top Knot, and perhaps the Physician and his Ill Children. The last category deals with difficulty of practice and in this category I would put the Magic City.
Lecture on the Lotus Sutra