The Lotus Sutra is deep and profound. I can just say my own (very limited) understanding for the benefit of those unsure of the merits of this teaching:
The idea that "Enlightenment" is not an individual endeavor. It can be seen as an "energy" that is at work for the sole propose of producing Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. This energy is already at work in every member of the assembly and indeed, every member of any spiritual path. The Buddha is personification of this energy in its perfected form. The Buddha preaching in the Lotus Sutra is less Sakyamuni and more the "principle" of Buddhahood. In this sutra, the Buddha all but abandons skillful means to preach the truth of Ultimate Reality. The parable of the magic city shows this well. The Buddha appears in the world to lead as many as possible to Perfect Enlightenment (Buddhahood) but the path is so long, the disciples so mired in samsara, that he brings them to Nirvana as a safe haven and a place they can understand. From there, the Lotus Sutra is preached and the path continues
The Lotus Sutra is almost devoid of traditional "teaching." It is meant to speak to the heart and be read aloud by like minded individuals to inspire the mind and heart of ultimate practice. I love the chapters on The Good Life and the Preacher of the Sutra. It is meant to show us unequivocally that we have the potential to not only be "good" but be Perfect Buddhas! This is not for the doubtful. If you have trouble with it, I suggest you read it with a clear mind and refrain from trying to "work it out." Just FEEL it......the parables......the stupa of Abundant Treasure......the fact that the process of Enlightenment, on a cosmic scale, is something we all are taking part in right now in our practice and, one "day" many millions of "years" from now we may be part of such an assembly, being predicted to Perfect Buddhahood for the good of all sentient beings.
There is much more but it is getting late for me to think about writing out these things, if this thread is active I will keep going. I can see deeply the merit of this sutra and I hope I have shown a little "Golden Light" onto it for now.
Noah