In the distance we see three crosses, reminding us that the agony and reality of Golgotha is never far away from any of us. The crosses are set against bright yellows and oranges, signaling the dawn of a new day, and a new beginning.
Recognizing Jesus
As the trio approach the village, they invite their guest to join them at table. In the upper pane we see the three friends breaking bread -- and at that moment the two discover that their friend is, in fact, the risen Christ.
In the bottom pane we see a stylized portrayal of bread and wine, the elements used in the sacrament of Holy Communion (Eucharist). Wine is portrayed by the chalice, and within the chalice is the bread, shaped as a circular wafer. Thus the top and bottom panes present a continuity of the resurrection theme -- Jesus Christ is both the bread and wine of life.
The Deity
All movement in the centre Panel is directed towards the top where the presence of the Creator God is depicted symbolically in the triangle, a reminder of the Trinitarian understanding of God's person, and the circle, a reminder of the eternal nature of God.
Elijah's Chariot
Jesus' ascension re-enacts the "taking up into heaven" of Elijah described in 2 Kings 2:11. "As they [Elijah and Elisha] continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven."